Child killed in Martinez highway crash is identified

The woman driving the Honda SUV that held two children was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, authorities said.

MARTINEZ — A 5-year-old girl killed in a vehicle crash Sunday morning on Highway 4 was identified by the coroner’s office Monday.

Authorities said that Dearri Shula of Richmond was killed early Sunday in the crash on westbound Highway 4 near Morello Avenue. An 11-year-old who was in the same vehicle as Shula suffered major injuries; an update on that child’s condition was not available Monday morning.

The woman driving the Honda SUV that held the two children was hospitalized with moderate injuries. She was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the three people were in a Honda CR-V that left the roadway and struck a tree.

The girl died at the scene. The CHP said she was not properly restrained in a car seat.

Anyone with information about the crash or what may have led up to it are asked to call the  CHP Contra Costa office at 925-646-4980 or email 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.