Oceanside Woman 'Intentionally' Smashed Into Vehicle, Killing 1, Injuring 3, Including Infant: Cops

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — A 32-year-old Oceanside woman faces murder and attempted murder charges after Inland Empire investigators determined she intentionally smashed into a vehicle, killing one of the occupants and injuring three others, including an infant, authorities said Tuesday.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies responded around 8:58 p.m. Sunday to a report of a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Day Creek Boulevard and Wilson Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.

Julia Kunkel was behind the wheel of one of the vehicles, and she intentionally rammed a second vehicle occupied by four Rancho Cucamonga residents, according to the sheriff's department.

One of the occupants, 40-year-old Leslie De Belen, was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts.

The three other passengers in De Belen's vehicle — a 38-year-old man, a 61-year-old woman, and a 6-month-old girl — were also transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the third involved vehicle was not injured, according to the sheriff's department.

Kunkel was injured in the crash and was described by deputies as "uncooperative." She was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for treatment.

The sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division’s Homicide Detail took over the investigation. Authorities said Kunkel will be arrested and booked on suspicion of murder and attempted murder once she is medically cleared to be discharged from the hospital.

Jail records show she was not in county jail on Tuesday.

The motive behind the crash was not immediately released, and it's unclear whether Kunkel knew the victims.

Sheriff's officials urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective T. Hodgins or Sgt. M. Warrick with the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904, or to submit anonymous tips through We-Tip at 844-909-3006.