A tragic drunk driving crash in Bakersfield, California, shocked the community after a young married couple lost their lives while returning home from a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. The accused driver, Anabell Correa, allegedly admitted to police that she had been drinking before the deadly crash.
According to court documents, she told officers she had consumed “one Twisted Tea” before getting behind the wheel. The heartbreaking incident not only claimed two lives but also left another passenger seriously injured. The case has now become a major legal battle as prosecutors push murder charges against the young driver.
What Happened in the Bakersfield Crash?
The deadly crash happened in March 2024 on Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield, California. According to investigators, Anabell Correa was driving eastbound when she allegedly failed to stop at a red light and crashed into a ride share vehicle carrying Desiree and Max Mooney.
The married couple had spent the evening celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with friends before heading home. Sadly, both Desiree and Max died in the collision.
The ride share vehicle also carried the couple’s friend, Tayler Wells, who survived but suffered devastating injuries. Reports revealed that she lost teeth, suffered broken bones throughout her body, and later had to re-learn how to walk after the crash.
The ride share driver was also seriously injured and reportedly suffered a fractured neck along with bleeding on the brain.
What Did Anabell Correa Tell Police?
According to court documents, Correa allegedly admitted she had been drinking before the crash. Officers reported that she told them, “I drank one Twisted Tea bro.”
She also allegedly made emotional statements after the crash, saying she would never see her child again because she decided to drive after drinking.
Investigators later determined that Correa’s blood alcohol level was 0.088%, which was above California’s legal driving limit of 0.080%.
Authorities also stated that she was driving without a valid license at the time of the incident.
Who Were Desiree and Max Mooney?
Desiree and Max Mooney were remembered by loved ones as a happy young couple whose lives were cut short far too soon. Desiree had celebrated her 30th birthday only a few months before the crash.
After the tragedy, family members created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser explained how multiple families were left heartbroken by the deadly crash and described the emotional pain caused by losing the couple.
The fundraiser has reportedly raised more than $20,000 to support the grieving families.
Court Proceedings and Charges Against Correa
In February 2025, a Kern County judge ruled that there was enough evidence to move the case forward toward trial.
Anabell Correa now faces 10 criminal charges, including two counts of murder related to the deaths of Desiree and Max Mooney. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Reports say Correa remains in custody without bail and is expected to face trial in late August.
The case has already created emotional moments inside the courtroom. In March, one of Correa’s male relatives was arrested after allegedly ignoring court warnings and shouting support for her during proceedings.
Why Prosecutors Are Pursuing Murder Charges
One of the biggest legal questions in the case is whether Correa should face murder charges or lesser manslaughter charges.
Her attorney has argued that she had no previous criminal history before the crash and therefore should not be charged with murder.
However, prosecutors reportedly presented evidence showing Correa understood the dangers of drunk driving before the incident occurred. Under California law, drivers can sometimes face murder charges in DUI cases if prosecutors believe they knowingly ignored the risks of driving while intoxicated.
This legal argument will likely become a major focus during the upcoming trial.
The Lasting Impact of the Tragedy
The Bakersfield crash left several families permanently devastated. What began as a night of celebration quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy that changed multiple lives forever. The deaths of Desiree and Max Mooney have also renewed discussions around drunk driving awareness and the serious consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
