NAPA COUNTY, CA – A 53-year-old man with a history of DUI convictions has been charged with murder after a weekend Napa County crash that killed six farmworkers.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Norberto “Beto” Celerino, of San Joaquin County, was allegedly intoxicated while driving a van carrying seven agricultural workers when he lost control and crashed into a tree on Pope Valley Road.
The impact killed six passengers instantly. Celerino and another occupant survived with serious injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Officials identified the deceased as Mexican nationals living in Stockton:
- Aaron Ruiz Ruiz, 39
- Beymar Reynosa Rodríguez, 32
- Demetrio Celerino Francisco, 39
- Pedro López Gómez, 57
- Loreto Ricardo Hernández, 42
- Fernando Silverio, 34
Celerino, who also went by other names, has at least three prior DUI convictions in San Joaquin County (2020 and 2024, plus an older case not included in the current filing).
He now faces six counts of murder, six counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one felony count of DUI causing injury with prior convictions.
Prosecutors added special allegations of violence, cruelty, and repeat offenses, noting that Celerino was on probation at the time.
Photos from the crash site show the van destroyed, with its roof ripped off by the impact. The Napa County DA said no further details will be released while the case is being prepared.
