[03-16-2025] Kern County, CA – Husband and Wife Killed in Suspected DUI Crash on Stockdale Highway

A husband and wife, 30-year-old Max Austin M. and 30-year-old Desiree Paula Noelle M., were killed in a suspected DUI crash on Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield early Sunday morning, March 16, 2025.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road at around 1:37 a.m. for a two-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, authorities found two passengers in one of the vehicles suffering from severe injuries. Max was pronounced dead at the scene, while Desiree was transported to Kern Medical, where she later died.

The driver and an additional passenger in the same vehicle sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that the driver was an Uber driver transporting passengers home from a bar.

The other involved vehicle, a white Hyundai, was reportedly speeding eastbound on Stockdale Highway when it ran a red light and collided with the Uber driver’s vehicle. The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 21-year-old Annabel C., sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.

Authorities confirmed that speed and alcohol impairment were factors in the crash. Once discharged from the hospital, Annabel will be booked into Lerdo Jail and charged with murder.

The investigation is ongoing.