On November 24, 2025, at approximately 9:06 p.m., deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a serious traffic collision involving two vehicles near Clinton Keith Road and Palomar Street in Wildomar. Upon arrival, law enforcement found an individual with severe injuries in the roadway. Despite attempts to save her life, Debra Amicay, aged 56, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another driver involved in the incident was extricated from their vehicle and transported to a local hospital where they remain in critical condition.
The Lake Elsinore Station’s Traffic Team took over the investigation. According to authorities, “It was determined that the second driver, identified as Erica Machuca, a 33-year-old resident of Hemet, was driving under the influence. Machuca was taken into custody and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for driving under the influence causing injury, and the murder of Debra Amicay.”
Officials have stated that this remains an ongoing investigation and no further details are available at this time. The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Deputy Keyser at 951–245–3000 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951–776–1099.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
Those interested in a career with the department can apply at joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
