Maria Cuevas charged in May 22 seven car collision on 7th and I

 

The woman responsible for the seven car collision on May 22 is Maria Cuevas. She was a late add on the court calendar and will be arraigned in Courtroom 2 at 1:30 today. 

A Maria Heroica Cuevas was booked into the Humboldt jail on July 2. Booking photo has been requested.  E court confirmed the middle name and based on the booking charges it is the same suspect.

Cuevas is charged with PC 191. 5 (a) gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of VC 23153 (f) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing injury,VC 2001 (b) (2) hit and run causing injury or death and VC 23152 (f) driving under the influence of drugs. There are special allegations for Counts 1, 2 and 3.

As I exclusively and previously reported, Humboldt Bar Association President and former Public Defender was severely injured and is one of the alleged victims. She is going to try and make it to arraignment.

Ms. Dixon did make arraignment. She is not back to work yet and has "some good days; some bad days" as she recovers. David Sprague's family was also in court.

The case was originally calendared in Judge Kaleb Cockrum's courtroom. He recused himself since he knows Ms. Dixon from his time at Conflict Counsel and Public Defender offices.  It was sent to Judge Steven Steward. Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris appeared on the case for the People. Public Defender's office was appointed. PD is not sure if they will have to declare a conflict. Most likely they will. Confirmation of Counsel is scheduled on 7/10; preliminary hearing on 7/18. Dates could change if a new attorney has to be appointed or there is a change in Cuevas' custody status. Bail was increased to $180,000. Cuevas has a 2023 VOP case which is set to coincide on those dates. In the 2023, she was convicted of child endangerment/abuse.

2024 case:

Sprague is the alleged victim in Counts 1 and 2. Ms. Heidi Wells is representing the family. Ms. Dixon is the alleged victim in Count 3.

2024 case charges:

2023 case:

EPD update (issued 4:46 p.m.):

The Eureka Police Department is still actively investigating the May 22, 2024 fatal pedestrian collision that occurred on the 900 block of I Street in Eureka.  However, at this point in the investigation and supported by the evidence collected during the investigation, a Ramey Warrant was issued for Maria Cuevas, 30 years old from Eureka, for violations of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence and Hit and Run Causing Death or Injury.  Additional charges of felony DUI causing bodily injury were submitted to the District Attorney’s office for review as Cuevas admitted to using Nitros Oxide just prior to the collision.  Cuevas is currently in custody at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the above noted charges and is being held on $65,000 bond and a probation hold. 

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/05/humboldt-bar-association-president-and.html?m=1

 https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/05/based-on-preliminary-findings-it.html?m=1