Former CHP Officer Faces Murder Charges in Fatal 605 Freeway Crash Involving Alleged DUI
Four Dead, Two Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Norwalk
DOWNEY, Calif. – Four individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries in a tragic suspected DUI incident on the 605 Freeway in Norwalk, according to officials.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced on Monday that a former California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer and a suspected DUI driver are facing murder charges related to the deaths from the crash that occurred last summer. The suspects have been identified as 27-year-old Iris Salmeron, the driver of a Kia involved in the collision, and former CHP officer Angelo Rodriguez, age 24.
The crash transpired on July 20, 2025, north of the 105 Freeway. Initial reports indicated that a Nissan and a CHP vehicle collided, rendering the Nissan immobilized in the freeway lane. Subsequently, a Kia struck the rear of the disabled Nissan, igniting a fire with four passengers trapped inside.
Emergency responders pronounced all four individuals in the Nissan dead at the scene.
Suspects and Charges
Salmeron, who was arrested at the scene, is accused of driving under the influence and faces additional DUI charges alongside the murder allegations. Rodriguez, who was subsequently identified as a suspect, is accused of driving at speeds exceeding 130 mph without his lights or siren activated when he struck the Nissan. Investigators allege that he delayed reporting the incident to CHP dispatch for three minutes before leaving the freeway.
Both suspects were arrested last Friday and are currently held with bail set at $4 million. Prosecutors intend to pursue an increase to $8 million each.
Victims Identified
The deceased passengers, all aged 25 and younger, have been identified as:
- Juliana Hamori, 23, of Huntington Beach
- Armand Del Campo, 24, of San Pedro
- Jordan Partridge, 23, of Los Angeles
- Samantha Skocilic, 22, of Westminster
Authorities’ Reactions
"This horrible tragedy could have been prevented had this officer not been driving at ridiculously high speeds for no reason whatsoever without his lights and sirens on," Hochman commented. "If the officer hadn’t gone off to the side of the road and not called in this incident immediately, had Ms. Salmeron not been driving at an incredibly excessive speed, drunk, while she crashed into this car."
Next Steps
Both suspects are scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday in a Bellflower courtroom.
