LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A nurse who was allegedly driving 90 mph when she ran a red light and crashed into traffic in Windsor Hills, killing six people, is being charged with murder and could face up to 90 years in the Los Angeles area. Lawyer George Gascón said Monday.
Nicole Linton, 37, has been charged with six counts of murder and five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, Gascón said.
If convicted of all charges, she faces a possible sentence of 90 years to life in prison.
Linton was hospitalized after the crash, but was booked into jail over the weekend. She was initially held on $2 million bail, but that amount was raised to $9 million.
Authorities say Linton was speeding in a Mercedes when he ran a red light at the intersection of La Brea and Slauson avenues on Thursday. It crashed into several vehicles, and three of them were engulfed in flames.
Linton is a traveling nurse from Houston who worked in the Los Angeles area. Police are investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
On Monday, Gascón said that so far police have not developed evidence of alcohol consumption but that they are still investigating.
RELATED: Woman headed for prenatal check-up with toddler, boyfriend before fatal Windsor Hills crash
Among the dead was Asherey Ryan, who was more than eight months pregnant, along with her boyfriend Reynold Lester and their unborn baby, named Armani Lester.
Asherey’s 11-month-old son, Alonzo Quintero, was also killed. At the time of the accident they were going to an appointment with the prenatal doctor.
“A young family was destroyed in the blink of an eye,” Gascón said.
Gascón said the six counts of murder include Asherey’s unborn child, but the involuntary manslaughter charge cannot legally apply.
Alonzo Quintero’s father told Eyewitness News he wants to see justice for his son.
“The smile. He had a smile that would make your day no matter what,” Luis Quintero said, fighting back tears. “He was full of joy, very excited. I loved when he was holding his hands. When he was kicking his legs with excitement.”
“I want to see justice done. Something for her, compensation for what she’s done. Maybe then I can forgive her. But not now. She took my son away from me. And I’ll never see him again.”
After hitting Asherey and Reynold’s car, Linton’s Mercedes collided with a Nissan Altima, killing two women inside, who have not been publicly identified.
He also took an SUV with a family of seven. All suffered minor injuries. Several other vehicles were also hit.
Family members and community members gathered at the intersection Sunday to remember the lives lost.
“She was such a beautiful lady,” said Jean Martin of Windsor Hills, who attended the vigil. “You know she was a good mother. To her family, make sure you take the life and time you had and cherish it.”
A growing memorial of flowers, photos and candles was placed at the intersection in memory of the victims.
Family members and community activists also called for safety improvements at the intersection, which they say has seen other serious crashes.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Asherey’s family with funeral expenses.
Copyright © 2022 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.