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Third suspect arrested in hit-and-run accident
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Santa Paula police arrested a third person Thursday night in connection with the hit-and-run death of a small boy earlier this week but later released her.
Cindy Marie Nunez, 36, was taken into custody about 7:45 p.m. on Felkins Road on the west end of town, Lt. Mike Saviers with Santa Paula police, said this morning. Police then released Nunez about 10 p.m. pending further investigation, Saviers said.
Nunez was arrested on suspicion of hit and run, causing death or injury and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, Saviers said.
Police said Nunez was riding in the silver pickup truck that struck and killed Charles Goodrich as he was being pulled in a wagon by his mother on a sidewalk on West Main Street next to an elementary school Wednesday afternoon.
The 2-year-old was taken to Santa Paula Hospital where he was declared dead.
Witnesses told police the pickup jumped the curb and went on to the sidewalk, hitting the wagon with great force. The pickup then sped east on Main Street. A motorcycle officer later spotted a pickup on Hobbs Circle that matched the description given to police.
Police arrested Roberto Villanueva, 25, whom they say was driving the pickup. Villanueva was booked into Ventura County jail on suspicion of felony leaving the scene of an accident, felony manslaughter with gross negligence and a parole violation. The pickup's owner, Albert Garcia, 31, whom police said was also riding in the truck, was booked into jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, police said.
Villanueva and Garcia were scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court this afternoon.
Posted by Ms_California on May 16, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job! SPPD! Let's put these jerks away!
Posted by vae4usc on May 16, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You hang around dogs your bound to get fleas
Posted by kelly13 on May 16, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What kind of people would hit and kill a child then run and hide?
Posted by whatever on May 16, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope she has kids of her own so they can grow up and see just what a low life their own mother is that she would leave a dying child on the sidewalk. That should show them what she must think of them to do that. May she always rest in hell!!
Posted by Metalhaid on May 16, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hamskid--the type of person who would do this is a rotten, no-good waste of skin who doesn't deserve to be a parent or a productive member of society. I hope that the judges on this case really throw the book at these animals!!! RIP poor little boy and God bless your family, I can't imagine what they're going through...
Posted by SummerSun on May 16, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
May these 3 pieces of garbag rot in jail, and get it from the prisoners who hate child killers who run! Hopefully, the other inmates will be sure justice is served on these pieces of crap.
Posted by yotonto on May 16, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To 'whatever',
I understand your thoughts, but why bring kids into this world with a loser mother. The kids will be the ones to suffer.
Hopefully, she will never have children.
I'm thinking of the poor little ones that have to grow up without love and guidance.
Maybe that's why she just stood by and said nothing!
Posted by lilmamma on May 16, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers are with the family.Was alcohol or drugs involved?
Posted by venturadude on May 16, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OOOODDDAAALLLLAAAYYY!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by george1234 on May 16, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Mr. Governor for releasing Mr. Villanueva from prison EARLY! In a few months more than 38,000 felons will be released early from prison due to overcrowding. 1,700 are expected to be sent to Ventura County. HOW MANY CHILDREN WILL DIE BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR AND THE PRISON GUARDS ASSOCIATION WON'T LET THEM BE HOUSED IN PRISONS OUT OF STATE?????? Its time to wake up people...this could have been your baby!
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on May 16, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
george1234, adding to your wise posting ... too many judges believe that comfort of prisoners is more important than protecting us and our families from them. Overhaul of our court system is drastically needed.
I'm not comprehending something here. Sweet Cindy was arrested on a felony ... and, based on wording of the article, released by the police without being booked into VCJ. My God, a common drunk gets booked.
Posted by bcoert on May 16, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Out of all 3 of them and NOT ONE had a conscience to stop. Pretty freakin sad.
My condolences to the family of this beautiful child. I am so sorry. :o(
Posted by Brokensadperson1 on May 16, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wtf why did they relese her she did just
as bad!! she's 36! her ass can stay in jail
poor charles lived for 2 years!!
Posted by pyleofkyle on May 16, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I posted this on the last article and thought I'd include it on this one as well.
As Charles was my cousin's son, I wanted to send a quick thank you to everyone that has been touched by this horrific story and moved in such a way as to write to the Star in response.
Obviously, our family is deeply saddened by the events set forth by these three reckless people. Please be assured, your thoughts about how the three, I don't want to mention their names, should be punished is not of importance. Only protecting our society from further irresponsible acts by these three is what matters. Nothing can bring back Glen and Kathleen’s only son and the hatred you and I may feel toward them can do nothing. Please be assured that these three, no matter how they might mask the guilt, will live with this for the rest of their lives, most likely destroying their soles each day.
Posted by keepin_it_real on May 16, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pyleofkyle==I am so sorry for your loss. I don't even know this little guy or the family, but this story hurts my heart. My god be with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Wow!!! What a strong individual you must be to be so forgiving. I don't know if I could be that strong and forgiving.
May sweet little Charles rest in peace.....
Posted by CharliesAuntie on May 19, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please do not be angry. Take the time and energy and do something positive, take time and pray for Charles' Mom and Dad and his sisters he has left behind. I understand why would should all feel anger toward these people, but it won't change anything and spending ANY amount of energy or thought on these three is a waste of time.
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