A Prosser man accused of being intoxicated when he drove the wrong way on Interstate 82 and killed another motorist posted $100,000 bail Thursday and was released from the Benton County jail.
Edward Eusebio Castilleja, 49, faces a Jan. 4 vehicular homicide trial after pleading innocent Thursday in Benton County Superior Court.
Prosecutors allege Castilleja had been drinking in Grandview early Nov. 7 before he got on I-82 to head home and went eastbound in the westbound lanes of the interstate.
Angelica Barajas, 20, of Grandview, was killed when Castilleja's truck slammed into her car. Her 11-year-old cousin, Stephanie Vega, was treated at Sunnyside Community Hospital for a broken leg, officials said.
Defense attorney Scott Johnson requested bail be reduced to $50,000 and asked that his client be allowed to sign up for a special home-monitoring bracelet that also would detect alcohol.
Johnson told Judge Craig Matheson the GPS/alcohol system will keep track of Castilleja and "provide extra security."
Prosecutor Andy Miller opposed the request. Castilleja has a prior DUI offense that was handled with a deferred prosecution and another DUI conviction, Miller said, adding, "It's apparent ... he has an alcohol problem."
Miller said he was concerned Castilleja would try to claim his home monitoring time as credit toward his sentence. But he said if Castilleja wanted to waive his right to count it toward his confinement time, it'd be a different story.
Judge Matheson, however, denied the request and left bail at $100,000.
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Jayden I. Castilleja
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Jayden Isaiah Castilleja was born in Seattle and died seven days later on Jan. 20 in Pasco.
His parents are Joshus and Kristine Castilleja.
Einan's Funeral Home, Richland, is in charge of arrangements.
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Jayden I. Castilleja
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Einan's Funeral Home, Richland, is in charge of arrangements.
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