Unlicensed Driver Accused Of Causing Fatal Wreck In RivCo To Stand Trial

RIVERSIDE, CA — An unlicensed motorist accused of killing two of his passengers in a driving under the influence wreck on the south end of Jurupa Valley must stand trial on two counts of second-degree murder, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Bryan Cruz Arenas, 24, of Jurupa Valley allegedly caused the deaths of 18-year-old Sabrina De Lara of Eastvale and 24-year-old Javier Rios of Jurupa Valley last year.

Following a preliminary hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Wednesday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sam Shouka found there was sufficient evidence to bound Arenas over for trial on the felony charges.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for May 13 at the downtown courthouse.

Arenas is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Rafael Lopez, shortly before 3 a.m. on July 5, 2025, the defendant was driving a van at an unconfirmed speed eastbound on Limonite Avenue, just west of Beach Street, when he slammed into another vehicle.

Two of his passengers, Lara and Rios, suffered grave injuries in the collision, possibly because they weren't wearing seat belts. Lopez said patrol deputies and paramedics reached the location within a few minutes and discovered both victims dead.

Arenas was given a field sobriety test and confirmed to be intoxicated, the sergeant alleged.

The defendant was jailed after he underwent a pre-booking medical check, which confirmed he hadn't been injured.

The driver of the other vehicle, whose name wasn't disclosed, along with several other passengers riding with Lopez, also not identified, were taken to Riverside Community Hospital for treatment of minor to moderate injuries, from which they have all recovered.

Court records indicated Arenas has documented prior convictions, but they weren't specified.