Mother Seeks Release Before Trial In North Bay

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A Napa woman accused of causing a crash that killed her two children is seeking release from custody before her murder trial moves forward.

Yesica Barajas, 32, has asked Napa County Superior Court to release her on her own recognizance while she awaits trial on charges that include second-degree murder, manslaughter, child abuse, and driving under the influence, according to a recent court filing reported by the Napa Valley Register.

Prosecutors charged Barajas in March 2025 after authorities alleged she was driving under the influence when her vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a tree near the southbound State Highway 29 offramp to West Imola Avenue in Napa.

The crash killed Barajas' two children, 10-year-old Damien Montanez and 9-year-old Aaliyah Montanez. The Napa County Coroner's Office said both children died shortly after the collision, which occurred just after 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning.

Authorities charged Barajas with two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two felony counts of child abuse, and one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol and a drug causing injury. Prosecutors later added second-degree murder allegations.

The defense motion asks the court to allow Barajas to remain out of custody while the case proceeds. Prosecutors have not yet publicly responded to the request.

The case remains pending in Napa County Superior Court. A judge will decide whether Barajas can be released before trial.