Pope Valley, Napa County, CA – September 10, 2025 | Ayuda California News
Six Mexican farmworkers died in a tragic accident in Pope Valley, Napa. The driver of the van, identified as Norberto “Beto” Celerino, 53, has been formally charged with murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.
A Record of Repeat Offenses
Celerino, a resident of San Joaquin County, has a history of three prior Driving under the Influence (DUI) convictions in 2020 and 2024. Prosecutors revealed he also had an older conviction that can no longer be used to enhance sentencing under California law.
On Sunday, September 7, Celerino was driving a Toyota Sienna minivan carrying seven farmworkers when he veered off Pope Valley Road and crashed into a tree.
- Six passengers died at the scene.
- The driver and another passenger survived with serious injuries.
Photos of the accident show the van destroyed, with its roof torn off by the impact.
The Victims: Mexican Farmworkers
Prosecutors identified the six men who lost their lives, all originally from Mexico and residents of Stockton:
- 39 years old – Aaron Ruiz Ruiz
- 32 years old – Beymar Reynosa Rodríguez
- 39 years old – Demetrio Celerino Francisco
- 57 years old – Pedro López Gómez
- 42 years old – Loreto Ricardo Hernández
- 34 years old – Fernando Silverio
These deaths have struck the Latino farmworker community of Northern California especially hard, a community already facing harsh working conditions and constant risks during transport to and from the fields.
Charges and Enhancements
Celerino faces:
🔴 6 counts of murder
🔴 6 counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
🔴 1 count of DUI causing injury, with two or more prior convictions
Prosecutors added enhancements that could increase his sentence:
- Use of a vehicle as a deadly weapon
- The crimes demonstrated cruelty, brutality, and disregard for human life
- Defendant was on probation and had a poor record of compliance
He currently remains in custody at the Napa County Department of Corrections.
Rights of the Victims’ Families
We remind the families of the six deceased workers, and all victims and survivors of similar accidents in California, that they have the right to:
- Wrongful death claims (CPC § 377.60 – 377.61) against the driver.
- Punitive damages claims (CC § 3294), since drunk driving with a prior record constitutes extremely reckless and dangerous conduct.
- Access to the California Victim Compensation Program, which may cover funeral expenses, counseling, and financial support.
- Workers’ compensation death benefits (Labor Code § 3600), if it is confirmed that the workers were traveling for job-related purposes. Dependents are eligible for financial support.
Remember: Immigration status is NOT a legal barrier in California; even undocumented workers are entitled to workers’ compensation (Labor Code § 1171.5).
Ayuda California: Justice for the Latino Farmworker Community
At Ayuda California, we deeply mourn this tragedy that has devastated hard-working Mexican families in California. We remind the community that no matter your immigration status, you have the right to justice and compensation.
📞 Free and confidential consultations in Spanish.
Our services include:
- Representation in wrongful death cases caused by DUI and gross negligence
- Support with insurance claims and workers’ compensation for farmworker families
- Defense of the Latino community’s rights in the legal system
At Ayuda California, your voice matters, and your family is never alone in pursuing justice.
