Palm Springs Police Chief Issues Statement After Officer's DUI Murder Arrest

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills delivered a somber message of disappointment after the arrest of 25-year-old Juliana Granados, a former police trainee turned civilian staff member, who has been charged with a Watson DUI murder. Granados is accused of fatally striking Palm Springs Community Service member Nicholas Griego while driving under the influence of alcohol on Thanksgiving morning. The incident, which occurred after both individuals had completed their shifts at the annual Turkey Trot event, has rocked the local community.

The tragic crash took place in Cathedral City, where Granados, who was off duty at the time, allegedly drove a pickup truck while intoxicated and collided with Griego, who was riding his motorcycle. The impact of the crash led to Griego's death, and investigators with the Cathedral City Police Department have since determined that Granados was impaired at the time of the collision.

Chief Mills condemned Granados's actions, stating that he was "terribly disappointed" by the behavior of one of their own. Mills went on to emphasize the department’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding driving under the influence. As a result of the arrest, Granados was placed on administrative leave without pay while the investigation continues, and further action will be taken as appropriate.

Granados has been charged with one count of murder under the California "Watson Murder" law, which applies when someone dies due to another person's actions while driving intoxicated. She has also been charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Granados is scheduled for arraignment on Friday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, where she will face the charges.

Currently, Granados is being held at the Jon Benoit Detention Center in Indio with a $1 million bail. The case has now been handed over to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for further proceedings.