Home » Santa Clarita News » Crime » Santa Clarita Wrong-Way Driver Returns To Court For Murder, Assault Charges

Santa Clarita Wrong-Way Driver Returns To Court For Murder, Assault Charges

A Santa Clarita woman who allegedly stole a car and caused a fatal wrong-way five-vehicle collision on the 210 Freeway returned to court Wednesday.

In Fall 2018, the defense declared doubt as to Nicole Thibault’s mental ability to assist in her own defense, causing the case to be suspended until a mental evaluation could be done, according to officials from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

On Oct. 22, 2018, Thibault was found mentally competent to stand trial and criminal proceedings were reinstated, according to the D.A.’s office.

In May 2018, Thibault pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, one count of grand theft, six counts of attempted murder and six counts of assault with a deadly weapon, according to the D.A.’s  Office.

Related: Santa Clarita Wrong-Way Driver Charged With Murder Returns To Court

Prosecutors said that on Jan. 22, 2018, Thibault stole a parked truck in San Bernardino. She then allegedly drove through several red lights at unsafe speeds before entering the 210 Freeway, prosecutors added.

In the backseat of the stolen vehicle was a two-year-old child, according to CHP officials.

About a mile from where the car was stolen, the woman pulled over, carried the boy out of the car and left him on a sidewalk near Temple and H streets, where the child was found safe, according to authorities.

Thibault then allegedly entered the 210 Freeway going the wrong direction, traveling west in the eastbound lanes for over 20 miles. She then collided head-on with several cars, according to prosecutors.

Responding CHP units attempted to get into position to stop the vehicle; however, a pursuit was never initiated, officials said.

“As the Ford F-150 continued traveling wrong-way within the center median of SR-210, for unknown reasons it veered into oncoming traffic and collided with four vehicles,” according to CHP officials. “It is unclear where the Ford F-150 entered the freeway and why the suspect was driving wrong-way.”

Daniel Castillo, 69, died from injuries sustained in the crash. Six other victims also suffered injuries, according to prosecutors.

If convicted as charged, Thibault faces a maximum possible sentence of 57 years to life in prison.

Thibault is currently being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, with bail set at $8 million.

She is scheduled to return to the Pomona Branch Courthouse on Aug. 21 for a preliminary hearing.


Sponsored Articles


Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to newstip@hometownstation.com. Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking KHTS Santa Clarita News Alerts delivered right to your inbox. Report a typo or error, email Corrections@hometownstation.com

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 - Santa Clarita News - Santa Clarita Radio

Santa Clarita Wrong-Way Driver Returns To Court For Murder, Assault Charges

2 comments

  1. CHIZ - Elizabeth Chislett

    Well, what’s this chick’s first name, and how old is she?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Michael Brown

Michael Brown has lived in Santa Clarita his whole life. Graduating from Saugus High School in 2016, he continued to stay local by attending The Master’s University, where he achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Michael joined KHTS in January of 2018 as a news intern, and has since gone on to become the News Director for the KHTS Newsroom. Since joining KHTS, Michael has covered many breaking news stories (both on scene and on air), interviewed dozens of prominent state and federal political figures, and interacted with hundreds of residents from Santa Clarita. When he is not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, as well as reading any comic book he can get his hands on.