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Mom charged with second-degree murder in crash that killed her daughter

Editor’s note: The above video report was published on October 22, 2025.

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — A woman has been charged with murder in what police described as a drunk driving crash that killed her 6-year-old daughter.

Sandra Samantha Saldana, 37, was arraigned Thursday on charges of second-degree murder and causing death by high BAC, according to court records.

Sandra Saldana’s booking photo provided by Muskegon County Jail.

Deputies: 6-year-old child killed in crash was passenger of drunk driver

Originally charged Drunk driving causes death and reckless driving causes death.

The charges stem from: 21 October accident The incident in Muskegon County that killed Saldana’s 6-year-old daughter, Mila Rae Saldana.

The incident occurred at Holton Road and E. Michillinda Road in Dalton County. The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office said the driver, later identified as Saldana, was speeding southbound while under the influence of alcohol with a child in the car. The car rear-ended an SUV, sending both vehicles into the northbound lane and colliding with a third vehicle. The child who was thrown from the vehicle died at the scene.

According to one study, Mila was “an intelligent and enthusiastic kindergarten student.” online obituary.

“His family wishes to remember him as a lively and energetic angel who loved drawing colorful pictures, spending time with his siblings, and his love of unicorns,” the obituary says. “Mila’s life, however short, is a reminder of the beauty and innocence that can be found in the world.”

Following the accident, Fremont Public Schools sent a letter regarding the death of a student who attended Pathfinder Elementary School. District leaders said they were “deeply saddened by the loss.”

A probable cause conference is scheduled for January 21.

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