LA woman charged with murder over bus crash that preceded deadly helicopter plunge

A California woman has been charged with two counts of murder after prosecutors said she drove under the influence, sped the wrong way down a road, ran a red light and crashed her SUV into a Los Angeles Metro bus, killing two passengers.

The victims were identified as 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida, while Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, is being held on $4.1 million bail.

Hours later, a news helicopter covering the crash plunged to the ground, killing pilot George Marciniw, reporter Eliana Moreno and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the helicopter crash, with the crew’s final video and cockpit alarm considered important evidence as investigators examine a possible loss of engine power, The Guardian has reported.

Authorities are investigating both crashes, while a vigil was planned to honor the five people who died in the two separate incidents.