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1300+A fatal crash in Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday night is now being investigated as an intentional act. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department says a 32-year-old Oceanside woman deliberately struck another vehicle. One person died, and three others were hurt, including a 6-month-old baby.
Deputies responded around 9 p.m. on November 1, 2026, to Day Creek Boulevard and Wilson Avenue, near Day Creek Intermediate School. Three vehicles and six people were involved.
What Investigators Say Happened in Deadly Crash at Day Creek Boulevard and Wilson Avenue
Authorities identified the driver of the first vehicle as Julia Kunkel of Oceanside. The second vehicle carried four Rancho Cucamonga residents: Leslie De Belen, 40, a 38-year-old man, a 61-year-old woman, and a 6-month-old girl. All four were taken to a hospital.
De Belen died despite lifesaving efforts. The sheriff’s department has not shared the conditions of the other three victims. The person in the third vehicle was not injured.
After an extensive investigation, detectives determined that Kunkel intentionally struck the victims’ vehicle.
Suspect Status and Open Questions
Kunkel was injured, described as uncooperative, and taken to Pomona Valley Medical Center. Once she is medically cleared, authorities say she will be arrested and booked on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
No motive has been released. It is also unclear whether she knew the victims. As in any criminal case, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash
A criminal case and a civil claim are separate. Prosecutors pursue criminal charges on behalf of the state. A civil claim is how families seek compensation for what they have lost.
Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim for losses such as funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. In California, these cases generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Survivors can pursue their own injury claims too. Those claims may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An alleged intentional crash can raise complex questions about liability and insurance coverage, so early legal guidance matters.
Support for Rancho Cucamonga Families
No family should face a sudden loss alone. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer helps people across San Bernardino County after serious crashes, and our team can explain your options at no cost.
Learn more about our Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyer and Rancho Cucamonga personal injury lawyer services.
Call our Rancho Cucamonga office at (909) 787-2515 for a free case evaluation. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.