A lot of people found Federal Toolbox because of a statement I made about Bailey Rios. And I said then that I was not going to drag every rumor of a postponed hearing or recycled headline into another video. And I meant that. But I also said that if something significant actually happened in the case, I would report it.
Today, something significant happened. After several court appearances were postponed because of her medical condition, Bailey finally appeared in San Fernando Superior Court and entered a plea. And the way she appeared tells you just how serious her physical condition still appears to be. Bailey was wheeled into the courtroom on a gurney surrounded by sheriff deputies. According to ABC7, she had dark bruising under both eyes and spent most of the roughly 30 minute hearing staring at the ceiling. The New York Post reports that she was covered in hospital blankets and when she did speak, ABC7 says that she was difficult to understand and that her voice sounded garbled. A not-guilty plea was entered. Bailey remains charged with two counts of second degree murder, felony driving under the influence causing injury and misdemeanor reckless driving stemming from the September 15th crash in Chatsworth. Two Metro passengers were killed, Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage White of 31. Those charges remain allegations and a not guilty plea simply means that the prosecution has to prove its case.
The Families in the Courtroom
And there was another part of the hearing that I think matters. More than 10 members of Daniel Castillo's family were reportedly sitting in that courtroom. Some were crying during the hearing. According to ABC7, they initially couldn't even hear Bailey's plea clearly because her voice was so muffled. When they came out of the courtroom and learned that she had plead not guilty, several of them broke down and cried and hug each other. That's worth remembering.
This case is not just court dates, charges, and headlines. There are families living through this. Bailey remains in custody on $4.1 million bail. She's scheduled to return to court on November 2nd when the next stage of the case is expected to be addressed, including the preliminary hearing process.
What a Preliminary Hearing Actually Is
And in plain English, the preliminary hearing is not a trial. The judge is not deciding whether she's guilty. The prosecution has to present enough evidence for the judge to determine whether there's enough evidence for the felony case to continue towards trial.
One other development, the judge granted Bailey a waiver that may allow her to skip certain routine court appearances while the case moves forward.
Where the Case Stands
So, today was important because the case finally moved. There's now a plea. There's a next court date and the prosecution and defense now move into the next stage. I'm going to continue doing exactly what I said I would do. If there's a meaningful development, I'll report it:
- Evidence
- Toxicology
- Bail
- Charges
- A preliminary hearing
If there isn't, I won't make a video just to keep the story alive. I've already told you how I feel personally about Bailey. From here, the Federal Toolbox will separate what's confirmed, what prosecutors allege, and what still has not been proven. That's where the case stands tonight.
I'm Brad, Federal Toolbox. Thank you for watching. See you next time.