MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — A 21-year-old mother was killed in a violent traffic crash in Southern California, and authorities have arrested her own brother and another 20-year-old man after investigators said an alleged street race may have led to the deadly collision.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to the intersection of Los Alisos Boulevard and Mustang Run in Mission Viejo at approximately 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, following reports of a traffic collision.
When deputies arrived, they found one woman dead at the scene. Authorities identified the victim as Shalia Deciderio, 21, of Rancho Santa Margarita.
The circumstances surrounding the crash quickly led investigators to examine whether two vehicles had been racing before the collision.
Brother and Another Driver Arrested
Investigators identified the two drivers involved as 20-year-old Jaime Rojas of Mission Viejo and 20-year-old Aiden Deciderio.
Rojas was taken to a hospital after the crash, while Aiden remained at the scene.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Aiden was booked Friday. Rojas is expected to be booked after he is released from the hospital. Reports identified Aiden as Shalia’s brother, adding another devastating layer to the fatal crash.
The sheriff’s department believes an alleged street race was a factor in the collision, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Family Remembers 21-Year-Old Mother
As investigators work to determine exactly what happened, Shalia’s family is mourning the loss of a young mother whose life was cut short.
A GoFundMe organized by Shalia and Aiden’s family described the 21-year-old as a “loving, caring, vibrant, and outgoing person” whose spirit touched the lives of people around her.
The family said her presence brought “warmth, joy, and love” to those around her and described her death as an unimaginable loss.
The fundraiser was created to help cover funeral and memorial expenses and had received more than $5,000 in donations.
The family also highlighted the devastating impact of Shalia’s death on her child.
“Shalia also leaves behind a precious young child, who is now facing life without a parent,” the fundraiser stated.
That loss has made an already painful tragedy even more difficult for relatives and friends who are now preparing to say goodbye.
Street Racing Investigation Continues
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team, known as MAIT, is continuing to investigate the deadly collision.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including the suspected street racing activity and the actions of the two drivers.
Although arrests have been made, the investigation has not yet concluded, and authorities have not released all details surrounding the moments immediately before the collision.
The case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of dangerous driving on public roads, particularly when speed and alleged racing are involved.
For Shalia’s family, however, the investigation is unfolding alongside an immeasurable personal loss.
Anyone with additional information that could assist investigators can contact MAIT at (949) 425-1860. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers.
As authorities continue working to establish what happened, Shalia’s family is left grieving a 21-year-old mother whose life ended far too soon.
What do you think about this tragic crash and the alleged street racing involved? Share your thoughts in the comments.