CAMERON PARK — A 35-year-old Cameron Park woman has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including murder, in connection with a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of an 84-year-old woman in El Dorado Hills nearly a year ago.
Cheyanne Wright entered her plea April 3 in Department 1 of the El Dorado County Superior Court following a March 25 indictment by an El Dorado County criminal grand jury. The indictment came after a months-long investigation into the May 3, 2025 collision on Green Valley Road near Silva Valley Parkway.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m. when Wright was driving a 2023 Dodge Charger eastbound. Authorities said the vehicle drifted off the roadway, struck a raised asphalt curb, then re-entered traffic, crossed the double yellow lines, and collided head-on with a westbound 2023 Toyota Camry.
Both vehicles were traveling at an estimated 55 miles per hour at the time of impact, officials said.
The driver of the Camry, identified as Joan Allison, 84, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wright and two young passengers—a 7-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl—were injured in the crash and transported to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment.
The case was investigated by the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team of the California Highway Patrol, culminating in a 326-page report submitted to prosecutors.
Based on those findings, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office filed charges including murder—commonly referred to as a “Watson murder” in California DUI cases—gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury, and two counts of child endangerment.
District Attorney Vern Pierson described the crash as “a devastating and entirely preventable tragedy,” emphasizing that the charges reflect what prosecutors allege was a conscious decision to drive under the influence.
Under California law, a Watson murder charge may be pursued when a driver is accused of acting with implied malice—knowingly engaging in dangerous conduct with disregard for human life.
Wright remains presumed innocent as the case proceeds through the court system. Future hearings will determine whether the case advances to trial.
