The tragedy that unfolded in Stanislaus County on March 8 left a community grappling with grief and disbelief. Reagan Herron, a vibrant 4-year-old from Hughson, lost her life in a devastating crash when her mother, 26-year-old Juliette Acosta of Oakdale, drove their Subaru SUV into an irrigation canal east of Hickman. The incident, marked by heartbreak and questions, has now escalated into a complex legal case, with Acosta facing a murder charge in addition to her initial arrest for driving under the influence.
The crash occurred late that Saturday night on Arlberg Road, where it meets Canal Bank Road near the Turlock Main Canal. Acosta, authorities say, was behind the wheel, navigating the dark rural stretch when her vehicle veered off course. The SUV sideswiped a telephone pole, crossed the road, and plunged into the canal, quickly becoming fully submerged. Inside, Reagan remained strapped in her car seat, unable to escape the rising water. Acosta, uninjured, was found atop the vehicle, while her daughter was trapped below. The scene was chaotic, with Acosta’s uncle, who lived nearby, rushing to the site after hearing the crash. He managed to assist Acosta, but Reagan remained out of reach until a Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputy arrived. The deputy, later praised for his bravery, entered the cold, murky water and retrieved the child. Despite these efforts, Reagan was rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Investigators noted signs of intoxication in Acosta at the scene, leading to her arrest for felony DUI. She was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center but released on bail days later. The case took a darker turn as prosecutors reviewed the circumstances. On Friday, April 11, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced that Acosta now faces a second-degree murder charge, reflecting the gravity of the loss and the allegations of reckless behavior. Authorities allege that Acosta’s decision to drive under the influence directly led to her daughter’s death, a preventable tragedy that has shaken those who knew Reagan and her family.
Acosta’s attempt to evade the mounting consequences added another layer to the story. Early that Friday morning, she was apprehended at a downtown San Francisco hotel, where she had fled in an apparent effort to avoid a no-bail warrant issued for the murder charge. The California Highway Patrol, which had been working to locate her, made the arrest, bringing her back to face the legal reckoning awaiting in Stanislaus County. In a related development, Acosta’s father, Clifford Acosta Jr., was detained on suspicion of aiding her flight from justice, though details of his involvement remain sparse as the investigation continues.
The loss of Reagan, described by those close to her as a joyful and curious child, has left a void in Hughson and beyond. Community members have rallied to honor her memory, with vigils and quiet conversations reflecting on the fragility of life. For Acosta, the road ahead is fraught with legal battles and the weight of a mother’s unimaginable loss. Prosecutors have promised further updates as the case progresses, but for now, the focus remains on a little girl whose life ended too soon and a community searching for answers in the wake of tragedy.