Murrieta, California — A 73-year-old Filipino American woman lost her life, and two others were injured in a head-on collision allegedly caused by a drunken driver, according to authorities. The tragic accident occurred on the evening of May 15 near Hancock Avenue and Parkcrest Drive.
Belinda Baliton, the elderly Fil-Am victim, sustained fatal injuries around 11:50 p.m. and was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where she succumbed to her injuries within an hour. The collision also severely injured the unidentified driver of Baliton’s vehicle, necessitating emergency surgery. He is expected to recover. Additionally, a passenger in the suspect’s car sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
Murrieta police arrested 29-year-old Anthony Ryan Scott on charges of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI resulting in great bodily injury. According to Lt. Enrique Romero, Scott’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic on Heacock Street, striking Baliton’s car. Scott was booked into the Byrd Detention Center but was released after posting a $75,000 bond.
Romero confirmed that a driving-while-impaired investigation led officers to conclude that Scott was operating his vehicle under the influence. The incident highlights the devastating impact of DUI car accidents on communities, emphasizing the ongoing issue of drunk driving fatalities in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving resulted in 13,524 deaths in 2022, with drunk driving accidents on the rise nationwide.
Kapwa Justice is here to provide support and advocacy for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI accident, feel free to reach out to us for assistance and legal guidance.
