Back to Home Media Blog Azmeret’s Story: Family of 6-Year-Old Killed by Alleged DUI Driver Speaks Out

Azmeret’s Story: Family of 6-Year-Old Killed by Alleged DUI Driver Speaks Out

October 8, 2025 | Article by Chain | Cohn | Clark staff

Azmeret’s Story: Family of 6-Year-Old Killed by Alleged DUI Driver Speaks Out

Azmeret Mayall loved animals. After all, the 6-year-old was being raised on a farm with horses, goats, dogs, and bunnies, among others. With that love, she combined her adventurous spirit, earning an 84 score recently in the “mutton busting” competition (similar to bull riding, but with sheep) at the Kern County Fair.

She was loving, too, and known for being friendly to everyone, including strangers in the market. She was a stellar first-grader at Central Academy of Arts and Technology in downtown Bakersfield, and earned the “Friendship Award” in her kindergarten class at Bimat Elementary. Her first name was inspired by her grandmother, a longtime local educator, and her middle name – Paisley – was that of her father’s sister, who had passed away.

On Sunday morning, Jacqueline Del Toro was driving home with daughter Azmeret and her 7-month-old son Elliot after buying their favorite Mexican bread and treats from a “panaderia” in Lamont – it was a family tradition to drive there early before the shop sold out. Plus, Azmeret had a sweet tooth. On the drive home, Azmeret asked for one of the treats, and Jacqueline responded, “Yes, baby, but let’s wait until we get somewhere safe to pull over.” Shortly after, as she approached Cottonwood Road from East Panama Lane, Jacqueline remembers her car suddenly flipping, then hearing her baby’s crying and Azmeret’s grunting. Jacqueline, a registered nurse, managed to escape the vehicle, blood dripping down her face. She checked her baby, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula. Azmeret was not responding.

A 20-year-old alleged impaired driver had rear-ended her sedan – he has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Azmeret was the 31st person killed by in alleged DUI crash in Bakersfield so far this year, according to local law enforcement statistics.

Jacqueline and her husband Julius Mayall are asking our community to come together in honor of Azmeret and sign the petition to urge lawmakers and policymakers to take action and implement tougher DUI laws. Bakersfield Police Department has reported 1,587 DUI arrests and investigated 350 suspected DUI crashes from January to October. California Highway Patrol reported 587 DUI arrests and 308 DUI collisions during the same time period.

“Azmeret had her whole life ahead of her. She was joyful, adventurous, and full of life. In one instant, it was stolen,” Jacqueline and Julius said in a statement. “No family should ever have to plan a funeral for a 6-year-old because someone chose to drive impaired. We’re speaking out so no other parent has to feel this kind of pain. If you care about your life, and the lives of others, you shouldn’t drive under the influence – ever.”

The Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark is representing Azmeret’s family to seek justice and to share her story as a call-to-action.

“Impaired driving destroys lives. One bad choice doesn’t just affect the driver, it can take everything from someone else,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney. “We hope that by sharing Azmeret’s story, we can honor her memory and save lives. We call on every member of our community: if you drink, don’t drive. If you take drugs, don’t drive. Think of Azmeret.”

You can sign the petition at bit.ly/duipetition.

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MEDIA COVERAGE

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.