California Mother Leaves Daughter in Submerged Car to Take Bath, Sparks Outrage

A tragic incident unfolded in Hickman, California, where 26-year-old Juliette Acosta is charged with murder after her four-year-old daughter, Reagan Herrin, drowned in an upturned SUV. Following a drunken crash into an irrigation canal on March 8, police allege Acosta fled the scene and later found herself taking a bath at a hotel, leaving her daughter trapped in the vehicle. Despite the efforts of her uncle and first responders, Reagan could not be saved and was pronounced dead at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.

Initially arrested for felony DUI, Acosta was reportedly three times over the legal blood alcohol limit when the incident occurred. She now faces a series of severe charges including vehicular manslaughter and permitting a child to suffer under conditions likely to cause death. If convicted, Acosta could face life in prison. Additionally, her father has been detained for allegedly aiding her after the fact.

A fundraiser established by Reagan’s father’s family explicitly states it is not affiliated with Acosta to cover the young girl’s funeral expenses, with plans to redirect excess funds to community initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.