Former Palm Springs Police Employee Returns to Court in Fatal Thanksgiving Crash Case

Former Palm Springs police employee Juliana Granados returned to court Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center as her case continues in connection with a deadly Thanksgiving morning crash in 2024.

Granados is accused of driving under the influence and striking her supervisor, who was riding a motorcycle at the time. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors later filed a murder charge under California’s “Watson murder” law, which allows DUI-related fatalities to be charged as second-degree murder.

During the hearing, a judge set Granados’ next appearance for March 30, when she is scheduled to attend a trial readiness conference.

Granados appeared in court wearing regular clothing after posting bail, which had been reduced from an initial $1 million amount. According to her attorney, John Patrick Dolan, she spent approximately seven months in custody before being released.

The crash occurred early Thanksgiving morning after Granados and her supervisor had reportedly been drinking together following a turkey drive event. Court records indicate she was under the influence at the time of the collision.

Since her initial court appearance, Granados has been receiving treatment at the ABC Recovery Center, according to her defense team.

Dolan argued that while the incident is tragic, it should not be prosecuted as murder.

“It’s a very sad situation, but it is not murder,” Dolan said. “This is what they call a Watson murder. She made a big mistake, and she’s paying for it.”

Dolan also noted that he is prepared for the case to continue for at least another year, citing the complexity of the proceedings.

Granados will return to court on March 30 as the case moves closer to trial. The investigation and legal process remain ongoing.