Crime & Safety

Alleged DUI Crash That Killed San Ramon Toddler Sent to DA's Office: CHP

Pleasanton resident Yarenit Liliana Malihan, 39, was arrested on Sept. 9 by officers on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.

SAN RAMON, CA — California Highway Patrol officers have completed the investigation of a suspected San Ramon DUI collision that killed a 3-year-old boy in September, a CHP spokesperson said. Investigators have submitted the final case to the to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, who will determine the charges -- if any -- to be filed against Pleasanton resident Yarenit Liliana Malihan.

Malihan, 39, the wife of an Alameda County Sheriff’s deputy, was arrested on Sept. 9 by CHP officers on suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter after the fatal crash on I-680 in San Ramon.

The children including Elijah Dunn, his 1-year-old sister and his 11-year-old brother were all taken to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. Elijah died at the hospital, according to CHP officials. The children's mother was taken to John Muir Medical Center with major injuries. Investigators concluded the small children in the Camry were secured in child safety seats and the other occupants were wearing seatbelts, CHP officials said.

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Malihan was treated for minor injuries at San Ramon Regional Medical Center and booked into the county jail. Malihan was driving on a provisional license the night of the tragic crash as the result of another alleged DUI-related crash in Pleasanton. According to Alameda County Court records, Malihan was arrested in June and faces three charges, including child cruelty and driving under the influence, which were filed in August.

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Following the crash, a GoFundMe page was established to help Elijah's family with living expenses, loss of income and the financial burdens of Elijah's death.

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