Bakersfield, California — A young California woman accused of causing a horrific drunk driving crash that killed a married couple allegedly made a shocking statement to police moments after the deadly collision.
According to court documents, Anabell Correa, who was 21 at the time of the crash, admitted she had been drinking before getting behind the wheel on the night of the fatal incident in Bakersfield.
Alleged DUI Crash Killed Married Couple
Authorities say the deadly crash happened last March as Desiree and Max Mooney were returning home after celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with friends.
Investigators allege Correa was driving eastbound on Stockdale Highway when she failed to stop at a red light and slammed into the ride-share vehicle carrying the couple.
The violent collision killed both Desiree and Max, devastating their families and friends.
According to reports, Correa allegedly told officers after the crash:
“I drank one Twisted Tea bro.”
She also reportedly made another emotional statement while speaking with police.
“I’m never seeing my kid, huh, just because I drove and drank one, two drinks,” Correa allegedly said.
Survivor Suffers Life-Changing Injuries
The crash also seriously injured the couple’s friend, Tayler Wells, who survived but suffered catastrophic injuries.
Reports state Wells lost teeth, suffered multiple broken bones throughout her body and had to re-learn how to walk following the collision.
The ride-share driver was also badly hurt, suffering a fractured neck and bleeding on the brain.
The tragedy left multiple families shattered, especially given how young the victims were at the time of the crash.
Families Continue Mourning the Loss
Desiree Mooney had celebrated her 30th birthday just months before the fatal crash, according to a GoFundMe page created to support funeral expenses for the family.
The fundraiser described the emotional devastation left behind by the tragedy.
“Several families lost their children that day, and while some will recover the void of the loss of Desiree and Max will be felt forever,” the GoFundMe stated.
The campaign has reportedly raised more than $20,000 to help the grieving family.
Loved ones continue to remember the couple while preparing for the lengthy court process ahead.
Prosecutors Pursuing Murder Charges
Court records indicate Correa allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.088%, above California’s legal limit of 0.080%.
Authorities also stated she was allegedly driving without a valid license at the time of the crash.
A Kern County judge ruled in February that there was enough evidence to connect Correa to the deadly incident, allowing the case to move forward toward trial.
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The now-22-year-old faces 10 criminal charges, including two counts of murder, and has pleaded not guilty.
Her attorney has argued that she should instead face manslaughter charges because she reportedly had no prior offenses before the crash.
However, prosecutors claim evidence from the night of the incident shows Correa acknowledged she knew drunk driving was dangerous.
Courtroom Drama Adds More Attention to Case
The case has already generated emotional courtroom moments.
In March, a male relative of Correa was reportedly arrested after allegedly ignoring warnings to remain quiet in court and shouting:
“Love you, Anabell.”
Correa remains in custody without bail as she awaits trial, which is scheduled to begin in late August.
The tragic case has once again renewed conversations about drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent families.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking DUI crash case? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
