Lizeth Duran Martinez and 2 Others Dead in I-10 Wrong Way Crash [Coachella, CA]

Coachella, CA (April 17, 2026) – Lizeth Duran Martinez and Meliton Perez Dominguez, both 39, and of Phoenix, were killed in an I-10 wrong way crash Tuesday night.

It was around 10 p.m. when the deadly two-vehicle crash happened on eastbound freeway, near Dillon Road.

According to CHP, 71-year-old Guillermo Ocampo Bahena of Orange, was driving a westbound Toyota Camry on the eastbound lanes of the highway.

As a result, Bahena’s Toyota crashed head-on onto a Honda Accord occupied by Lizeth Duran Martinez and Meliton Perez Dominguez.

Rescuers rushed to the scene and freed the two Honda occupants, and the Toyota driver, from their vehicles. All three of them were declared dead at the crash scene.

Police said DUI was not suspected, but they are investigating why the Toyota was driving the wrong way.

---

Sweet Lawyers extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Lizeth Duran Martinez, Meliton Perez Dominguez, and Guillermo Ocampo Bahena. The sudden loss of a loved one in such a tragic accident is deeply painful, and we hope her family finds comfort, strength, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

---

Understanding the Impact of a Fatal Traffic Collision

Losing a loved one in a fatal traffic crash is a life-altering experience. Beyond the emotional grief, families are often faced with unexpected financial challenges that can add further stress during an already overwhelming time.

In these situations, filing a wrongful death claim can provide important legal and financial support. This type of claim allows families to hold the responsible party accountable while seeking compensation for the losses they have suffered.

One of the key reasons families pursue a wrongful death claim is to help recover financial losses. These may include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the loved one’s final care, and the loss of future income. When the deceased was a primary provider, these financial pressures can quickly become overwhelming. Compensation can help ease that burden and provide some stability moving forward.

A wrongful death claim also plays an important role in accountability. Whether the accident was caused by impaired driving, distraction, or a vehicle defect, pursuing legal action helps ensure that those responsible are held answerable for their actions. In some cases, it can also raise awareness about dangerous behaviors and contribute to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

While no legal action can ever replace a loved one, seeking justice can offer families a sense of closure. Knowing that accountability has been pursued may provide some measure of peace during the healing process.

With over 40 years of experience handling wrongful death and serious accident cases, Sweet Lawyers is here to guide families through every step of the legal process. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping you understand your options and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or someone you know is facing the loss of a loved one due to a fatal accident, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Call (800) 674-7852 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or click here to learn more about your legal options.