No Charges Filed Yet in Tragic San Ramon Crash That Killed Toddler

SAN RAMON, CA — California Highway Patrol investigators are waiting for answers from the county coroner’s office before they can fully complete the investigation of a suspected San Ramon DUI collision that killed a 3-year-old boy in September. Once investigators receive the report, they can submit the final case to the to the 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.

A black 2007 Toyota Camry with three children and their mother inside was parked on the shoulder of the busy highway when Malihan's white 2008 Toyota Sequoia crashed into the back of it, CHP officials said.
The children including Elijah Dunn, his 1-year-old sister and his 11-year-old brother were 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.

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.

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.

Previous coverage:

• Case Involving Pleasanton Woman Suspected of DUI in Deadly Crash Garnering National Attention
• Community Rallies to Raise Funds for Family of Toddler Killed in San Ramon Crash
• Both Families Devastated By San Ramon Crash That Killed 3-Year-Old
• Major Collision That Injured Children on I-680 Turns Fatal

Photo courtesy GoFundMe