ATWATER, Calif. (FOX26) — Over a year after a suspected drunk driving incident claimed the lives of 20-year-old Arianna Valencia and her three-year-old sister Camila, their family is expressing growing frustration with the pace of justice for the accused driver, Moises Castillo.
The case returned to court on Friday in Merced County where Judge received a probation report ahead of scheduled chambers conference Tuesday morning. The readiness conference has been set for September 3rd and trial currently remains slated for late October unless a plea agreement is reached.
Castillo faces two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury, driving under the influence causing injury, and driving with blood alcohol content at .08% or higher causing injury. If convicted, Castillo could face an estimated 15 years and four months in prison according to Merced County District Attorney's Office.
The collision occurred on June 1, 2025, when Castillo allegedly crashed into the Valencia sisters’ vehicle while they were en route to purchase snacks for a movie night. Arianna was a UC Davis student at the time of her death.
"The legal process has been incredibly difficult," said one family member. "We still wake up with nightmares and feel as though it's all just a dream, but unfortunately, reality sets in every day."
The Valencia family attributes delays to changes within Merced County’s judicial system including transitions between district attorneys and judge retirements during the proceedings.
However, Moises Onsurez from the Public Relations Coordinator for the Merced District Attorney’s Office refutes claims of unusual delay. "Cases can be reassigned based on office needs at any time," he stated via email to FOX26.
The Valencia family remains committed not only to pursuing justice in their personal tragedy but also advocating for stronger penalties and increased awareness regarding DUI-related fatalities across California.