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Pair linked to alleged hit-and-run
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Charles Goodrich
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More from Local NewsAlong with shock, there was a feeling Thursday in Santa Paula that what happened to a 2-year-old boy there the day before could have happened to anyone.
"This could have been one of my kids," Monica Rivera said as she laid flowers at the West Main Street site where Charles Goodrich, 2, was struck and killed Wednesday by a pickup truck while being pulled by his mother in a wagon along the sidewalk.
The site is next to Glen City School, where Rivera's two sons attend.
Santa Paula police arrested two men in connection with the hit-and-run crash.
Roberto Villanueva, 25, of Santa Paula, was driving the four-door silver pickup truck about 2:12 p.m. Wednesday when it jumped a curb next to the school and hit the wagon, police said.
Kathleen Goodrich was walking home from a market, pulling her young son in a wagon and carrying her 4-month-old daughter in a papoose, when the truck came up behind them, police said. Goodrich and her daughter were not injured.
Witnesses told police they heard tires screeching before the truck hit the wagon with great force. They then saw the driver maneuver the truck back onto Main Street, make a 360-degree turn and speed away, police said.
Rick Cadman, principal of the school and a former Army hospital administrator, performed CPR on the boy in a desperate effort to keep him alive until paramedics arrived. "He looked really bad," Cadman said.
The boy was taken to Santa Paula Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two men in jail
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, Santa Paula police said. He is not eligible for bail.
Villanueva has been convicted twice of felony possession of a controlled substance in Ventura County, according to court records.
Police also arrested the pickup's owner, Albert Garcia, 31, of Santa Paula. They said Garcia was a passenger in the truck when it struck the boy. Garcia was booked into jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, police said. He was being held in lieu of $750,000 bail.
Police said a woman was also in the pickup at the time. Investigators were looking into whether she might be an accessory after the fact, police said. They had not arrested her as of Thursday.
The boy's father, Glen Goodrich of Santa Paula, briefly spoke at his home Thursday, saying his son was born in Ventura on Nov. 17, 2005. He was the fourth of five children, his father said, and the family's only son.
Friends said Glen and Kathleen are devout Catholics. The couple attended Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula and are members of St. Sebastian's Church. Kathleen is an organist and choir director at the Santa Paula church.
"She's always joyous and has a smile a mile long," church member Mark Lemmon said.
Father Charles Lueras of St. Sebastian's said he was called to Santa Paula Hospital after the crash. When he got there, he found Kathleen barefoot with blood on her feet, staring at the floor. Lueras said he prayed for the boy's soul and his family.
Lueras recalled baptizing Charles and said he "was a wonderful baby."
Kathleen attended Mass at St. Sebastian's on Thursday morning, when more prayers were offered, Lueras said.
'I'm going to drive them'
While many Glen City students had gone home by the time of the crash, about 50 were playing on a nearby field when the truck hit the boy.
Principal Cadman said he always worries about the safety of students. School staff members supervise students coming and going from campus, Cadman said.
The accident so scared Rivera that she said she will no longer allow her two children to walk to school. "From now on, I'm going to drive them," she said.
Services for Charles will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Sebastian's, 235 N. Ninth St.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception, Seminary Fund, 984 Monte Vista Drive, Santa Paula, CA 93060.
Posted by toyrunner on May 16, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In the earlier article, I stated my condolences for the family of Charles.
I could not fathom the pain of this loss they are going through.
I pray that justice is served.
This story says the driver made a 360 degree turn? Why would that be?
Posted by tinacristy01 on May 16, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My Condolences to the family of Charles. It looks like he was a very happy boy. My prayers go out to the Family.
Posted by CloudyDaze on May 16, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My sincere condolences to the family of Charles. Since Roberto Villanueva was a twice convicted felon, hopefully 3 strikes rules will kick in and we'll never see this boil on society's butt ever again.
Posted by vae4usc on May 16, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This story was sad enough. Now seeing that handsome little smile just melts my heart.
Regarding the 360 turn. On channel 9 it was mentioned that the driver "lost control" a 2nd time while leaving.
Posted by Ms_California on May 16, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so saddened by this story. He looks like such a beautiful child and has a family who really had their act together and loves their family very much. I pains me this poor family had to endure this tragic event. My heart goes out to that poor mother, father and family who will never be able to see this precious baby grow into a handsome young man.
I hope these men get no mercy and the max penalty allowable. To the possible jury members of this wonderful county... let's put these guys away forever!
Posted by santabarbarasand on May 16, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a terrifying incident for this family, the students of the school and anyone else in the vicinity. You think you should be safe to walk on the sidewalks, especially pulling your child in a wagon! I feel so sad for this family, especially the mother who had to experience the terror of being safe one second and losing her little boy in the most horrifying way the next. I cannot imagine the nightmares she will suffer and the other psychological damage that will follow. I cannot imagine how protective she will be of her other children and how afraid she'll feel from now on when they walk down the sidewalk. It is mind blowing that something like this happened and that poor woman will suffer for the rest of her life because of these idiots.
I hope that the offenders feel guilt and deep mental torment every day for the rest of their lives for what they did. I hope that other people are reminded by this incident to take extra care when behind the wheel. I hope that justice is served to this family and that it brings some small measure of peace. More than anything I hope that the mom gets serious counseling and finds a way to stay strong without second guessing her decision to go to the store that day, I hope she never blames herself because she wasn't at fault. What a nightmare, I can't even imagine how she feels but it breaks my heart to try to put myself in her place.
Posted by pific on May 16, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When all the facts come out during their trial, you will always find a judge being sympathetic towards these two felons and will "recommend" probation. My condolences to the family for having lost an angel. I say put them away with no chance of parole
Posted by bill on May 16, 2008 at 9 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by MsCalvillo1 on May 16, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a 2 yr old son. This tragedy struck really close to home. I am truly hurting for this family's loss. My prayers are with them.
Posted by mamaof2 on May 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pific i dont think any judge can be sympathetic to these loosers in this case and recommend probation. there is just no way.
this is such a sad story... it made me cry i can only imagine what it would feel like to lose your baby in such a tragic way. my prayers are with the family.
Posted by vagu3spac3 on May 16, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Charles is my nephew. Life will never be the same. He was such a beautiful little boy and he was always so happy. Whatever happens to these men wont bring Charles back...but he was so loved and he always will be.
Posted by surfwidow on May 16, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They were all felons to begin with. Now they killed a baby. Death penalty to all the car.
Posted by kissallens on May 16, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers and thoughts are with the Goodrich family!! My heart aches for the mother who had to see her child taken from her in such a horrific way.
We all just hope that justice will prevail in this case and send the driver away for life keeping him off of the street forever.
Posted by BeaHappi on May 16, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a beautiful little boy...my heart is so sad for the Goodrich family and everyone who knew and loved Charles. I humbly offer my most sincere condolences.
May you rest in peace little angel...
Posted by justmeinsp on May 16, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I held my 3yr grandson this morning and tears came as I tried to imagine life without him... we live very near the scene and I walk that sidewalk with my dog frequently.
My heartfelt sympathies to the Goodriches...
what I feel for the scum who did it, is not printable here...
Posted by 805m0mma on May 16, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This hit way too close to home. Too the family: I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by calgirlinky on May 16, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To vagu3spac3 and the rest of the family, our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. I now want to leave work, pick up my boys and hold them a little closer. I couldn't imagine the pain, and I only hope the family finds strength in thier faith. He was such a gorgeous little boy and to read this story and then see his beautiful smile just put me in tears. God bless all of you.
I hope the useless, disgusting, poor excuses for human beings that did this get the death penalty.
Posted by shaver_one on May 16, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Condolences to the family and friends of this precious little boy.
I've read this story, and yesterday's, a couple of times.
It still seems to be intentional. The truck jumped the curb from behind. It's not easy to drive up over a curb when driving straight down the road. After hitting Charles, the truck drove back onto the street and made a 360 turn and sped away. If this is accurate, then the driver made a 'victory loop' before departing. If a 180 turn is what actually happened, there is still forethought present. It would have been simpler just to keep driving in the same direction as before.
I have no idea what motives these losers would have. But, more investigation is required.
Posted by latina79 on May 16, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poor Baby Boy. This is such a sad story. Prayers to the family. May god comfort you in this tragic time, but rest assure he is with his saviour.
Posted by rdo4JC on May 16, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's alleged about the hit and run, as the title implies. The truck jumped the curb, hit the little boy and then the driver took off without stopping. To me, that is a hit and run, not alleged. People saw this happen, so why is the Star calling it alleged. My prayers are with the Goodrich family.
Posted by pyleofkyle on May 16, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I mentioned this in the other article and wanted to send my condolences here as well. It was hard to see this precious little boys face. Little Charles, may you rest in peace.
plyeofkyle & vagu3spac3, I my condolences to you and the entire family. May God give you all the strength to get thru this very difficult time. I don't even know any of you, but this makes my heart hurt. As parents we can all relate.
Good night.....
Posted by NightLight on May 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pyleofkyle, I'm so sorry for what happened. What you said was so eloquent.
rdo4JC, I think maybe because "hit and run" is the name of a specific crime, the Star may be legally obligated to call it "alleged" until it is proven in court.
Posted by ironwoman on May 18, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pyleofkyle- My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Posted by musicmother on May 18, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am Charles' mother. I wanted to post on here to say a few things. First, to thank everyone for their sympathy, their thoughts and prayers. The way that this entire community has risen up to help us and console us has been amazing and uplifting.
Second, to those who are full of anger: it changes nothing to be angry. Your anger only hurts you. You say that you would not wish my pain on your worst enemy, but then you wish a life of torment on these men. When people think of Charles, I want them to think of the love we had for him. I don't want them to be torn up with anger and hate when they think of my beautiful boy.
Love is the only thing with any power to change anything. My love for Charles has changed my life, and I am glad to have had it, for however short a time - I would not exchange it for freedom from this pain. Let your sorrow for him and for us change you for the good.
Posted by JeannetteMedrano on May 19, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
musicmother~~
You and your family are in my hearts, thoughts and prayers. God Bless You! I am at a loss for words and can not phathom going through what you are dealing with at this time. You are a strong woman, this is reflected by the words you have left for all to read. May God, the love and faith you hold deep in your heart continue to get you through this difficult time. Peace be with you!
With love, sympathy and Prayers. God Bless!
Jeannette Medrano & Family
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