A former California Highway Patrol officer and a civilian motorist have been charged with murder in connection with a devastating DUI collision that resulted in the deaths of four people on the 605 Freeway last summer. The incident, which occurred on July 20, 2025, involved a high-speed crash where a patrol car, allegedly driven by then-Officer Angelo Rodriguez at over 130 mph, struck a disabled vehicle carrying the four victims. Moments later, a second vehicle, driven by Iris Salmeron who is accused of being under the influence, collided with the disabled car, igniting a fiery explosion.
Key Highlights:
- Former CHP Officer Angelo Rodriguez and Iris Salmeron have each been charged with four counts of murder.
- Rodriguez was allegedly driving his patrol car at speeds exceeding 130 mph without lights or sirens when he struck the victims’ vehicle.
- Salmeron is accused of driving under the influence at speeds over 100 mph, leading to the fatal secondary collision.
- The four victims, identified as Juliana Hamori, Armand Del Campo, Jordan Partridge, and Samantha Skocilic, died at the scene.
- Prosecutors allege that Rodriguez’s actions, including failing to render aid or report the initial crash promptly, were substantial factors in the deaths.
- Both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in state prison if convicted.
- Bail has been set at $8 million for each defendant.
Legal Ramifications and DA’s Statement
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges, emphasizing that the “horrific tragedy could have been avoided” if not for the reckless actions of both defendants. Hochman stated that Rodriguez’s initial crash and subsequent actions were a “substantial factor in the ultimate deaths of these four people,” adding that the victims were alive after the first impact but died as a result of the second. The DA highlighted that both individuals “consciously chose to disregard human life over responsibility.” Rodriguez has since been terminated from the CHP.
The Sequence of Events
According to investigators, on the night of July 20, 2025, Rodriguez was traveling southbound on the 605 Freeway at an excessive speed when he collided with the Nissan carrying the four victims, which had entered the HOV lane. Following the initial impact, Rodriguez allegedly pulled over to the shoulder and waited for approximately three minutes without reporting the crash to CHP dispatch before exiting the freeway. The victims’ vehicle was left disabled in the HOV lane. Subsequently, Salmeron, who had been consuming alcohol, crashed into the stranded Nissan at high speed, causing the vehicle to erupt in flames.
Victims and Families’ Grief
The victims, identified as 23-year-old Juliana Hamori, 24-year-old Armand Del Campo, 24-year-old Jordan Partridge, and 22-year-old Samantha Skocilic, were reportedly returning from a concert. For some of the victims, this was a particularly tragic loss, as it involved an engaged couple. Families have expressed their devastation and sought answers in the wake of the incident.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q1: What led to the fatal crash on the 605 Freeway?
A1: The crash involved a former CHP officer, Angelo Rodriguez, allegedly driving at over 130 mph, who struck a disabled vehicle carrying four victims. Moments later, Iris Salmeron, accused of driving under the influence, collided with the disabled car, causing a fiery explosion that killed the occupants.
Q2: What charges are the former CHP officer and the motorist facing?
A2: Both Angelo Rodriguez and Iris Salmeron have been charged with four counts of murder. Salmeron also faces charges related to driving under the influence.
Q3: What are the potential penalties for these charges?
A3: If convicted of murder, both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
