Authorities in Napa County are investigating one of the deadliest crashes in the region in recent years after a 53-year-old Stockton man, Norberto Celerino, was arrested on suspicion of murder, felony DUI, and causing injury while intoxicated. The tragic accident, which occurred on Sunday, September 7, 2025, left six people dead and has shaken the Napa Valley community.

Deadly Crash in Wine Country

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash happened on Pope Valley Road, a winding rural roadway near several well-known wineries in Napa County. Investigators say Celerino was driving a Toyota Sienna minivan when it veered off the road and collided violently with a tree.

When Napa County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered a devastating sight: six passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut short in an instant. Sgt. Andrew Barclay of the CHP confirmed that both Celerino and another surviving passenger were pulled from the mangled wreckage and immediately airlifted to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa for treatment.

Arrest and Charges

While hospitalized for his injuries, Celerino was formally placed under arrest. Napa County jail records confirm that he faces multiple charges, including six counts of murder, felony driving under the influence, and causing injury while intoxicated.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of their families. The Napa County Coroner’s Office is working to identify those killed and provide answers to grieving relatives.

Investigation Underway

Sgt. Barclay emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Toxicology reports, witness statements, and a reconstruction of the crash scene will all be critical in determining the events leading up to the fatal wreck. “This is a complex and tragic case,” Barclay said. “We are working carefully to piece together every detail so the families can have answers.”

Authorities noted that DUI-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in California, and this incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

A Community in Mourning

The magnitude of the loss has stunned Napa County residents and the broader Northern California community. Pope Valley Road, typically a scenic stretch of wine country, has become the backdrop for immense tragedy.

Local leaders expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the importance of road safety. “This is an unimaginable loss of life,” one county supervisor said. “Our hearts go out to the families who are grieving tonight. This tragedy underscores why we must continue to take impaired driving so seriously.”

Neighbors and passersby who witnessed the aftermath described the crash scene as “horrific,” with first responders working urgently to pull victims from the wreckage. For many, the loss of six lives at once feels almost too overwhelming to process.

Legal Consequences Ahead

If convicted on all charges, Celerino could face decades in prison, possibly even a life sentence, given the severity of the allegations. Legal experts note that charging DUI-related crashes as murder is not unprecedented in California, especially when prosecutors believe the driver acted with conscious disregard for human life.

The case will likely draw attention across the state, both for the scale of the loss and the ongoing conversation about repeat DUI offenders, sentencing, and community responsibility in preventing such tragedies.

Moving Forward

For now, investigators remain focused on gathering evidence and supporting the victims’ families. Vigils are expected to be organized in the coming days as Napa residents come together to grieve and honor the six lives lost.

As the investigation unfolds, the community is left with a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered by reckless decisions. What began as an ordinary Sunday drive turned into an event that will leave lasting scars on countless families.

The CHP urges anyone with additional information about the crash to contact their office to aid in the investigation.