CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Police arrest man accused in deadly crash, killing mother and daughter

Oct 1, 2019, 6:45 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:27 am

(Manases Vicente Castillo.  Credit: Salt Lake County Jail)...

(Manases Vicente Castillo. Credit: Salt Lake County Jail)

(Manases Vicente Castillo. Credit: Salt Lake County Jail)

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON – Formal charges have been filed against a man accused of driving drunk in Big Cottonwood Canyon and reportedly causing a crash that killed a mother and her daughter.

Manases Vicente Castillo is facing two counts of automobile homicide, as well as two counts of DUI.

Even though the crash happened on August 17, it took over a month for an arrest to be made.  Investigators weren’t sure which of the four men at the scene were driving the vehicle.   For the family of BrandiLee and 16-year-old Sierra Chacon, the arrests have been a long time coming.

CarolAnn Gudjenova is Sierra’s grandmother.  She tells KSL she heard the news of the arrest from her contractor.

“I was relieved.  I was just so happy to finally have somebody that’s going to have to take accountability for this loss,” she says.

On one hand, the wait has been an emotional rollercoaster for Gudjenova.

She adds, “It has absolutely been agony and [I’ve been] distraught to wait this long for an arrest.”

However, she says she’s glad the Salt Lake City police took the time to find out who was behind the wheel.  Officers had to rely on DNA evidence to pinpoint the driver.

“I wouldn’t want to charge somebody that wasn’t the person that caused the accident,” Gudjenova says.

Officers say Sierra Chacon was killed at the scene of the crash, and her mother, BrandiLee, died weeks later.  Charging documents state one of the men in the other car had a broken back and a broken nose.  Another man reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Police arrest man accused in deadly crash, killing mother and daughter