Motorist Accused of Killing Trucker
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – An Oct. 7 trial date was confirmed Thursday for a 24- year-old motorist who allegedly collided with a big rig near Corona, killing the trucker, while fleeing from California Highway Patrol officers after being seen street racing on a freeway.
Modesto Daniel Carpio of San Jacinto allegedly killed 55-year-old Stephen Palacios of Rancho Cucamonga in April 2025.
Carpio is charged with second-degree murder, felony evading and engaging in an illegal speed contest.
During a status conference at the Riverside Hall of Justice Thursday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gail O’Rane conferred with the prosecution and defense regarding scheduling, and both sides agreed to make preparations for trial proceedings in October.
The defendant is free on a $100,000 bond.
According to the California Highway Patrol, on the night of April 13, 2025, motorists on the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway near Euclid Avenue in Ontario called 911 to report several freeway lanes obstructed by organizers of a street race.
Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said patrol vehicles reached the location moments later, at which point Carpio was quickly identified as one of the alleged racers, prompting a patrol unit to signal him to pull over.
Jimenez alleged the defendant floored the accelerator of his Infiniti sports car, attempting to elude the unit, heading south into Riverside County via Interstate 15.
“Carpio accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph and transitioned onto the westbound 91,” Jimenez said. “While fleeing at high speed, the Infiniti collided with a semi truck hauling a trailer east of Lincoln Avenue (in Corona). The impact forced the semi into a freeway sound wall and ejected the driver.”
Palacios was found in grave condition by Corona Fire Department paramedics. He was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he died an hour later.
His passenger, whose identity was not disclosed, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the same hospital. He has since recovered.
Carpio, who was alone in the Infiniti, was not hurt. He was taken into custody without incident.
CHP Capt. Sal Suarez said at the time that the fatal collision “underscores why the CHP remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who endanger lives through reckless behavior.”
Carpio has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
It was unclear whether investigators ever tracked down other participants in the alleged street race.
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