Vehicular manslaughter charges filed in deadly MTD bus crash in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The driver of a Metropolitan Transit District bus that crashed into a bus stop and killed a woman in October 2019 has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced Monday that charges were filed in the case against Aura Leticia Mijangos, 61, of Goleta. 

Mijangos has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection to the October 9, 2019 bus crash. 

Mijangos was driving an MTD bus on Oct. 9, 2019 when it crashed into a bus stop at the corner of Chapala and West Figueroa streets. Two women who were waiting at the bus stop were hit. One woman, 67-year-old Eve Debra Johnson, was killed and the other was seriously injured. In addition to the injuries on the street, several passengers were also injured.

The complaint filed by the DA's office accused Mijangos of "ordinary negligence" in the crash. Felony vehicular manslaughter would have required the prosecution to prove gross negligence or reckless behavior which contributed to the crash.

Santa Barbara Police Department and California Highway Patrol investigated the crash.

Mijangos is due in court on Aug. 17.

Victims of this incident can receive resources from the District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program. For assistance, call 805-568-2408.