A California man has been arrested and charged following a crash that killed a mother and her young son in Fresno earlier this week.
Deadly Crash in Fresno
Authorities say 41-year-old Martha Hernandez and her 9-year-old son, Adrian Hernandez, were killed early Monday morning, April 6.
According to investigators, the pair were driving home from an Easter celebration around 2 a.m. when another vehicle allegedly ran a red light and collided with their car. The impact reportedly forced their vehicle into a nearby canal.
Emergency crews pulled Martha from the water, but she later died at a hospital. Adrian also died as a result of the crash.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Police have charged 22-year-old Timothy Seth Chavez in connection with the incident.
Authorities allege the crash was a hit-and-run. Chavez later turned himself in at the Fresno County Jail between Monday night and Tuesday.
He is facing two counts of vehicular manslaughter and two counts of leaving the scene of a crash.
Community Mourning
Martha Hernandez was known in the community as a nail technician, remembered by clients for her kindness and ability to connect with others.
At a vigil held at a Fresno salon, one client recalled how Martha made people feel understood and supported.
Adrian, an elementary school student, is being remembered by teachers and classmates as a loving child. One teacher shared that in a classroom project, Adrian expressed that his dream was simply to always be with his mother.
Support for the Family
A GoFundMe has been created to help Martha’s family, including her oldest son, who is preparing to graduate from high school while also arranging for his mother and brother to be returned to Mexico for burial.
Case Status
Authorities have not said whether Chavez has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.
