Elm Avenue near American Avenue: a pedestrian was struck and left on the roadside, and the driver later admitted hitting a person, according to the CHP
EASTON, CALIFORNIA (September 30, 2026): Delia Valladares, 26, was killed in a suspected DUI hit-and-run near Elm and American avenues in Easton, in Fresno County, according to the California Highway Patrol, as reported by ABC30. A 31-year-old Fresno County man is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, leaving the scene and other felonies. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
According to the CHP, officers first responded early Wednesday, September 30, to a report of a traffic collision in Easton. Investigators said the driver told them he had hit a parked vehicle hours earlier. They became suspicious because the damage to his vehicle did not match that account, and after more questioning the CHP said he admitted that he had struck a pedestrian and driven away. The CHP has not said exactly when Valladares was struck.
Investigators then searched the area and found Valladares near Elm and American avenues, along with debris believed to have come from the driver’s vehicle, ABC30 reported. The man was arrested at a residence in the area and appeared in Fresno County court on Friday, October 2, on four felony counts. His next court date has not been announced.
The CHP continues to investigate. Anyone who traveled on Elm Avenue near American Avenue late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, or who saw a damaged vehicle in the area, can contact the CHP Fresno Area office.
Liability for the Easton Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, render aid and identify themselves. Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause injury, and Civil Code § 3294 allows punitive damages in civil cases that involve malice or conscious disregard for safety. Based on what the CHP has released, the civil questions include:
- Impairment: The driver is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Blood test results and the timeline of the hours before the crash are usually central evidence in both cases.
- Leaving Valladares behind: The CHP said the driver first described hitting a parked vehicle. Leaving a person on the roadside without calling for help is a separate felony and weighs heavily in a civil case.
- Vehicle evidence: Debris found near Elm and American avenues and the damage to the vehicle can confirm the point of impact and the speed involved.
- Insurance: The driver’s auto policy is usually the first source of recovery, and the family’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.
Valladares’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. The civil claim moves separately from the criminal case and uses a lower burden of proof, so it does not depend on the outcome of the prosecution.
Steps to Take After a Fresno County Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian deaths in the United States happen in the dark, and rural roads without sidewalks or lighting carry added risk. When a driver leaves the scene, early action helps both the criminal case and the family.
- Stay in touch with the CHP: Ask the CHP Fresno Area office for the case number and the collision report once it is complete.
- Follow the criminal case: Families of victims have rights under California’s Marsy’s Law, including notice of court dates and the right to be heard at sentencing. The Fresno County District Attorney’s victim services unit can help.
- Victim assistance: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help families of crime victims with certain funeral and related expenses.
- Keep records: Save any photos, messages, funeral documents and contacts from insurers, and avoid signing releases before getting advice.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If road conditions or lighting maintained by a public agency are examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Easton Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Delia Valladares. Important questions remain: At what time was Valladares struck on Elm Avenue, and how long was she on the roadside before investigators found her? And where was the driver in the hours before the crash?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 5, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 30, 2026.
