Crime
Mother Brenda Estrada jailed after rollover crash along I-17 near Peoria Avenue leaves 9-year-old Alexa Rivera dead
A tragic rollover crash on Interstate 17 in north Phoenix has left a 9-year-old girl dead and led to the arrest of her mother on multiple felony charges, authorities confirmed.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on April 12 along the northbound lanes of I-17 near Peoria Avenue. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the incident involved a single vehicle carrying a mother and her children.
Investigators identified the victim as 9-year-old Alexa Cortez Rivera, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities reported that the child was sharing a seat belt with a sibling at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
Three other children—a 1-year-old girl, a 3-year-old boy, and an 11-year-old boy—were also inside the vehicle. All three sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated and later released.
The driver, 30-year-old Brenda Liliana Rivera Estrada of Phoenix, was also injured in the crash and taken to the hospital. Following her release, she was taken into custody and booked into jail.
According to investigators, Estrada is accused of driving recklessly and at high speeds while passing other vehicles prior to the crash. During the investigation, troopers reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. In court proceedings, officials stated that Estrada admitted to using marijuana the previous day.
Prosecutors expressed serious concern for the safety of the surviving children, alleging that the defendant chose to operate a vehicle while impaired.
Witnesses also reported that the vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit of 65 mph.
Estrada is now facing charges including manslaughter and child abuse. She is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of northbound Interstate 17 for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation.
The case remains ongoing.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.