MARTINEZ — A Richmond woman has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving in the weekend crash that killed her 5-year-old daughter and injured an 11-year-old boy, court records show.
Shakela Janey Dominick, 32, was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two drunk driving charges, and two counts of child abuse, according to the criminal complaint. Dominick’s 5-year-old daughter, De’Arri Shula, was killed early Sunday morning in the crash on the westbound lanes of Highway 4, near Morello Avenue in Martinez.
An 11-year-old boy in the same vehicle suffered major injuries, but an update on his condition wasn’t available Thursday.
Dominick’s blood-alcohol level was reportedly measured at twice the legal limit after the crash. Her bail was set at $400,000, over the objections of her attorney, who requested a 75 percent reduction, authorities said.
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An online fundraiser for De’Arri’s funeral expenses had generated more than $10,000 in donations by Thursday afternoon. It describes her as “full of life and energy.”
To contribute to the fundraiser, go to https://gofund.me/82cba6fb.
“She would walk in the room a light the room up,” the page says. “Dancing like Wednesday, running like Sonic the Hedgehog, or just smiling like Minnie Mouse. De’Arri will truly be missed especially by her Mom.”
According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle veered off of the highway and struck a tree. De’Arri was not in a properly restrained car seat, authorities said.
Anyone with information about the crash or what may have led up to it can call the CHP Contra Costa office at 925-646-4980 or email [email protected].
