BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The family of six-year-old Azmeret Mayall, who was killed in a suspected DUI crash on E. Panama Lane, released a statement and is calling for tougher DUI laws.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on September 28, 2025, at around 7:41 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Cottonwood Road and E. Panama Lane regarding a multi-vehicle crash.
Police said a preliminary investigation determined a black sedan and a white SUV were driving westbound on E. Panama Lame when the sedan allegedly rear-ended the SUV at high speeds. The crash caused the SUV to roll over and the sedan to veer off the roadway into a nearby vineyard.
The driver of the SUV and an infant suffered minor to moderate injuries. 6-year-old Azmeret Mayall was taken to Orange County Children’s Hospital where she later died from their injuries Monday morning.
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A release by the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark said on Sunday morning, Jacqueline Del Toro was driving home with daughter Azmeret and her 7-month-old son Elliot after buying their favorite Mexican bread and treats from a “panaderia” in Lamont. It said it was a family tradition to drive there early before the shop sold out. The release said that on the drive home, Azmeret asked for one of the treats, and Jacqueline responded, “Yes, baby, but let’s wait until we get somewhere safe to pull over.” Shortly after, as she approached Cottonwood Road from East Panama Lane, the release said Jacqueline remembered her car suddenly flipping, then hearing her baby’s crying and Azmeret’s grunting.
Jacqueline, a registered nurse, managed to escape the vehicle, blood dripping down her face. She checked her baby, who suffered a broken tibia and fibia. Azmeret was not responding.
The driver of the sedan, identified as 20-year-old Cesar Magana, allegedly showed symptoms of impairment and was taken into custody.
RELATED: Suspected DUI driver pleads not guilty in crash that killed 6-year-old girl in Bakersfield
Jacqueline and her husband Julius Mayall are asking our community to come together in honor of Azmeret and sign the petition to urge lawmakers and policymakers to take action and implement tougher DUI laws.
“Azmeret had her whole life ahead of her. She was joyful, adventurous, and full of life. In one instant, it was stolen,” Jacqueline and Julius said in a statement by the law office. “No family should ever have to plan a funeral for a 6-year-old because someone chose to drive impaired. We’re speaking out so no other parent has to feel this kind of pain. If you care about your life, and the lives of others, you shouldn’t drive under the influence – ever.”
The release said Azmeret Mayall loved animals, earning an 84 score recently in the “mutton busting” competition at the Kern County Fair.
She was a first-grader at Central Academy of Arts and Technology in downtown Bakersfield, and earned the “Friendship Award” in her kindergarten class at Bimat Elementary.
The Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark is representing Azmeret’s family.
“Impaired driving destroys lives. One bad choice doesn’t just affect the driver, it can take everything from someone else,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney, in the release. “We hope that by sharing Azmeret’s story, we can honor her memory and save lives. We call on every member of our community: if you drink, don’t drive. If you take drugs, don’t drive. Think of Azmeret.”
Those interested in signing the petition can click here. A GoFundMe was made for Azmeret and her family, which can be found here.
The suspected DUI driver appeared in court on Tuesday, September 30, where he pleaded not guilty.
He is expected back in court on November 19.