Sonoma County, CA (October 5, 2024) – A suspected road rage incident in Sonoma County led to the death of 33-year-old Carena Lashey Piccinotti of Santa Rosa.
Accident Details: The collision occurred on Saturday, October 5, on Stony Point Road, south of Rohnert Park Expressway. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash began when 20-year-old Diego Diaz-Hernandez, driving a Mazda SUV, allegedly began ramming into the Volkswagen SUV in front of him, where Piccinotti was a passenger. This impact forced the Volkswagen into the path of oncoming northbound traffic, where a Mercedes struck it. Piccinotti, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Volkswagen, sustained fatal injuries from the crash.
The driver of the Volkswagen and Piccinotti’s 3-year-old son, Ayden, were both seriously injured but survived. They were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Investigation: Diaz-Hernandez is facing numerous charges, including first-degree murder, hit and run, reckless driving causing serious injury, two counts of bodily injury to a child under five years old, and six counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 16. Investigators are also looking into other crashes Diaz-Hernandez may have caused earlier that day.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Diaz-Hernandez’s actions, as alleged by law enforcement, suggest intentional misconduct. In cases like this, victims’ families can pursue civil claims for wrongful death, which can help provide financial compensation for losses such as funeral costs and emotional distress.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Carena Lashey Piccinotti during this unimaginably difficult time. Losing a loved one so suddenly, especially in such a tragic manner, is devastating. I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by this heartbreaking incident. Her family has set up a GoFundMe account to help care for her son, Ayden.
Source: Patch