Lucien Jose Iñiguez Jr Obituary, Death;- A mother from Fillmore has been released on bail following her arrest related to a suspected DUI incident that led to the tragic deaths of her 5-year-old son and an innocent woman, as reported by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
The fatal collision occurred on July 2 at 1305 Ventura Street in Fillmore, according to sheriff’s deputies. Investigations indicated that two vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lanes of Ventura Street, just west of D Street.
Authorities stated that one of the drivers, 56-year-old Myryam Castillo from Fillmore, allegedly consumed alcohol prior to operating her vehicle, which crossed into the two-way center turn lane of Ventura Street. She then drove eastbound in the westbound lanes, allegedly colliding with the front of another vehicle operated by 33-year-old Maria Dondiego from Oxnard.
Dondiego was pronounced dead at the scene. Castillo’s 5-year-old son, who was a passenger in her vehicle during the incident, was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Family members identified the child as Lucien Jose Iñiguez Jr.
Two additional children suffered serious injuries in the crash and were taken to the hospital for medical care. A GoFundMe page established for Dondiego indicated that the injured children are her own. Her 5-year-old daughter remains in critical condition, while her 12-year-old son is recovering from significant injuries, according to relatives.
Castillo has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. She was processed and subsequently released after posting bail set at $100,000.
The current status of the two injured children is not known.
It remains uncertain when Castillo will be scheduled to appear in court.
As noted in his obituary, Iñiguez Jr. had recently graduated from preschool. Family members remembered the young boy as “truly a ray of sunshine” whose “smile lit up every room.”
“He brought joy to everyone who knew him, always ready with a hug, a laugh, or a silly moment to brighten the day. Lucien had a special way of making people feel seen and loved – his spirit was p
Dondiego is remembered as a devoted mother and wife and “a light in every life she touched.”
“Mary had a huge heart, she was a giver, dreamer, and community soul,” according to the GoFundMe page. All money raised will go toward Dondiego’s funeral and toward her husband “as he steps into the role of sole caretaker for their children.”
According to her obituary page, Dondiego was a “talented baker, a savvy business owner, and compassionate paraeducator” whose proudest work was “the impact she made in her community.”
“She was a fierce advocate for the immigrant community, using her voice to uplift others, help families access resources, and supported local activism.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or possesses any information about the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Bradley Bordon at (805)-388-5146 or via email at bradley.bordon@ventura.org.
