Suspect In Fatal Temecula Crash May Face Murder Charges Due to Prior DUI Arrests

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TEMECULA, Calif. – The driver who recklessly barreled into slowed traffic ahead of him on the 15 freeway in Temecula, killing one and injuring four others is no stranger to the law.

About the Suspect

Javier Caldera, 25, most recently residing in Colton, California and also recently living in Auburn, Washington was believed to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the deadly June 4, 2019, traffic collision. As a result of the collision, Caldera, who only suffered minor injuries now faces three felony and three misdemeanor charges. The charges he was booked on include Murder, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Driving with License suspended for Drunk Driving, Hit and Run Resulting in Property Damage, DUI (drug and alcohol) with Injury, and Causing Bodily Injury by Negligence While Driving with Suspended License.

Caldera was arrested at around 9:50 a.m. after he was medically cleared and was booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

The Victims

Janet Genao, 44, of Murrieta, was on her way to work in Carlsbad when Caldera crashed into the back of her vehicle without even applying his brakes. Her Nissan sedan was destroyed, leaving it unrecognizable, and taking her life. Genao was the mother of one daughter.

Two others suffered life-threatening injuries and two suffered minor to moderate injuries as a result of the six-vehicle collision.

Mike Rivera, of Wildomar, was also driving to work when his vehicle was struck sending it off of the freeway. The vehicle came to a rest after crashing into the City of Temecula City Hall parking structure. He is suffering from major injuries and as the sole provider for his family, his family is left not only to worry about him but also their finances.

Prior Convictions

Caldera has prior convictions for numerous drug-related crimes in both Washington State and in California. Prior convictions include possession of methamphetamine and other controlled substances, possession of drugs for sale, felony evading, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.

Most Recent Arrest Before Deadly Crash

Prior to the deadly crash, Caldera was most recently arrested in Centralia, Washington in Lewis County after speeding away from authorities attempting to stop him in Thurston County. During the chase, Caldera got on the 5 freeway heading southbound at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

Spike strips were deployed to stop the fleeing vehicle. The suspect vehicle drove over the strips causing the driver to crash into a nearby fence on Harrison Avenue in the City of Centralia. Caldera got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. An area search led to Caldera being found in an area nearby leading to his arrest. Caldera initially pleaded not guilty, but later, on January 15, 2019, changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to 2 months in a Thurston County jail.