Woman charged with killing South Fulton officer in head-on crash

Candlelight vigil to honor Capt. Helio Garcia

Tonight, the South Fulton Police Department and neighboring communities will hold a candlelight vigil to honor Capt. Helio Garcia who was killed in the line of duty in a head-on collision. Santoria McLean has been charged in his death.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The woman accused of killing South Fulton Police Department's 47-year-old Capt. Helio Garcia in a head-on collision has officially been charged.

What we know:

Santoria Latrice McLean, 31, of Atlanta, was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol.

Her charges include:

• Driving - Improper/Erratic Lane Change
• Reckless Driving
• Too Fast For Conditions/Prima Facie Speed
• Driving- Homicide By Vehicle In 1st Degree - Felony

Santoria Latrice McLean (Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Her bond was denied after appearing before a judge for the first time on Friday. She's being held in the Fulton County Jail.

Lt. Helio Garcia killed in the line of duty

The backstory:

According to the authorities, Garcia was on duty and driving his patrol vehicle on April 15, 2025, when a driver veered into his lane.

Both Garcia and the other driver, identified as McLean, were rushed to a local hospital. Garcia did not survive his injuries.

Lt. Helio Garcia was killed in a head-on crash on April 15, 2025.  (South Fulton Police Department)

Officials confirmed Garcia was a proud husband and father to two daughters and one son.

What we don't know:

Police have not confirmed why McLean veered into oncoming traffic, causing the crash. They did look into whether she was under the influence of the crash, but the toxicology report has not come back yet. So far, her charges notably do not include DUI.

FULL VIDEO: Capt. Helio Garcia funeral

Full video of service for South Fulton Police Department's Capt. Helio Garcia, who was killed in the line of duty last week.