Capitol Riot Participant Now Faces DWI Charges

Authorities say a Missouri woman who is charged with participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol is facing charges in a fatal accident in Franklin County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 22-year-old Emily Hernandez was drunk and driving a car the wrong way on Interstate 44 in Franklin County Wednesday night when she collided with another car, killing 32-year-old Victoria Wilson of St. Clair.

According to the Patrol, Hernandez, driving a 2014 Volkswagen Passat, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of I-44 at the same time an eastbound 2019 Buick Enclave, driven by 36-year-old Ryan E. Wilson of St. Clair, was traveling in the left lane at 7:09 p.m.

Both vehicles swerved to avoid each other, and the front right of the VW struck the front right of the Buick. The VW came to rest in the right lane, facing west. The Buick traveled into the median, striking the cable barriers.

A passenger in the Buick, 32-year-old Victoria Wilson of St. Clair, was pronounced dead at 7:25 p.m. by EMS personnel. The body was taken to the St. Louis County Morgue.

Ryan Wilson suffered serious injuries, and was taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital by St. Clair Ambulance. The Wilsons were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the report.

Both vehicles were totaled.

Hernandez was arrested at 7:28 p.m. Wednesday night and charged by the Patrol with driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another, driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury, and excessive Blood Alcohol Content. Hernandez was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for medical treatment.

She is also facing five misdemeanor charges related to being at the Capitol during the riot. Her attorney says Hernandez plans to plead guilty to one count on Monday.