Child Killed in DUI Crash on Cottonwood Road [Bakersfield, CA]

Cesar Magana Arrested After Fatal DUI Crash on Cottonwood Road in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA (September 29, 2025) -A suspected DUI crash on Cottonwood Road killed a 6-year-old child and left several others injured, including a baby, police said.

The Bakersfield Police Department reported the crash at about 7:41 a.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, near the intersection of Cottonwood Road and E. Panama Lane. 

Officers arrived in the 2600 block of E. Panama Lane and found two heavily damaged vehicles.

Investigators determined that a black sedan rear-ended a white SUV traveling westbound on E. Panama Lane at high speed. 

The impact caused the SUV to overturn while the sedan veered into a nearby vineyard.

The SUV’s driver, a woman, and her infant passenger suffered minor to moderate injuries. 

A 6-year-old child in the SUV sustained major injuries and was rushed to a hospital, then later transferred to Orange County Children’s Hospital. Police confirmed the child, identified as Azmeret, died from her injuries Monday morning.

Authorities arrested the sedan driver, 20-year-old Cesar Magana, after he allegedly displayed signs of impairment. 

He was booked on charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

A GoFundMe campaign created for the family asks for donations and prayers to support them during this difficult time.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police encourage anyone with information to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

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Sweet Lawyers extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the deceased victim. May the bereaved find solace and strength in this extremely trying time.

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Families Shouldn’t Suffer Because of a Drunk Driver — Sweet Lawyers Is Here to Fight for Justice and Accountability.

The devastating DUI crash in southeast Bakersfield that claimed the life of 6-year-old Azmeret is a painful reminder of how reckless decisions can destroy innocent lives.

At Sweet Lawyers, we extend our deepest condolences to her grieving family, who are now left to cope with unimaginable heartbreak.

Drunk driving is one of the most preventable causes of fatal crashes, yet it continues to devastate families across California. In this tragedy, not only was a young child’s life cut short, but a mother and baby were also injured—leaving an entire family traumatized.

The emotional, physical, and financial impact of these crashes is enormous, and families should not bear this burden alone.

Through a wrongful death claim, families may pursue justice and accountability from those responsible. While no legal action can ever bring back a loved one, it can provide crucial financial support for funeral expenses, medical bills, and the long-term care and stability the surviving family needs.

It can also send a powerful message about the seriousness of DUI crashes.

With over 40 years of experience, Sweet Lawyers has represented countless families who have suffered the loss of loved ones due to drunk drivers. Our compassionate team understands the sensitivity of wrongful death cases, and we are committed to providing respectful, dedicated advocacy.

We fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable while supporting families every step of the way.

You are not alone in this. Sweet Lawyers offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

📞 Contact Sweet Lawyers today for compassionate, experienced wrongful death representation.
➡️ Sweet Lawyers

Let us help you pursue justice for Azmeret and the healing your family deserves.