West Sacramento, California (January 16, 2026) — A Davis woman known to friends and family as “Charlie” was killed Sunday afternoon in West Sacramento after prosecutors say an alleged drunk driver, traveling at a high rate of speed, ran a red light and struck her vehicle as she exited the freeway with the right of way. The victim was identified as Chloe Borders, 32, a local artist and associate therapist described as deeply committed to supporting youth and members of the LGBTQIA community, according to reporting from The Davis Enterprise.
Incident Details: According to the case’s prosecutor, Kanwil Sahil, 28, of West Sacramento, was speeding on West Capitol Avenue when he ran a red light and collided with a vehicle driven by Borders. Deputy District Attorney Aloysius Patchen told the court Borders “was exiting the freeway with the right of way” when the collision occurred. Prosecutors said Borders was killed on impact, and her vehicle was reportedly pushed approximately 100 yards due to the speed involved.
The prosecutor also stated that multiple witnesses reported seeing Sahil driving at a high rate of speed, “bouncing off different curbs in the street,” and nearly striking another person shortly before the crash. Patchen said this occurred “during the middle of the day on Sunday,” and that Sahil admitted to drinking heavily when interviewed by officers.
Sahil has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and drunken-driving offenses, and he pleaded not guilty at arraignment in Yolo Superior Court. A judge ultimately set bail at $1 million, and the case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 11, according to the report.
Investigation: While this case is already moving through the criminal court process, the underlying crash investigation still matters because it shapes what can be proven, what cannot, and what accountability ultimately looks like. In a fatal red-light collision, investigators typically focus on confirming right-of-way through traffic signal timing, intersection sequencing, and any available surveillance video or witness accounts.
Prosecutors have focused on speed and impairment, relying on toxicology, collision reconstruction, and physical scene evidence, such as vehicle damage, debris, and impact angles, to understand the crash and why Borders’ vehicle traveled far after impact. Investigators may also review reports of earlier near-collisions, corroborated by calls, camera footage, or roadway evidence. For high-speed incidents through active corridors, they assess lane position and curb strikes to determine if the driver was weaving, drifting, or losing control before the intersection.
Legal Considerations: DUI crashes that take a life sit at the intersection of criminal prosecution and civil accountability. The criminal case determines whether the state can prove charges like gross vehicular manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt.
For the Borders family, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the absence of companionship after a sudden death. The investigation can concentrate on determining responsibility for the loss and assessing the damages experienced by those left behind.
I extend my sincere condolences to Chloe “Charlie” Borders’ family and loved ones as they mourn an immeasurable loss.
Source: The Davis Enterprise