DRIVER SENTENCE IN DEATH OF CYCLIST ANDRES HERNANDEZ

Andres Hernandez, 16, was an exceptional young man: he served his community through his church, he maintained excellent grades while holding down two jobs, and he was set to graduate high school one year early then continue his education at a university. He was determined and hardworking.

On the evening of September 29, 2021, Andres was riding his bike home from church when he was struck from behind and killed. The driver fled the scene. Police later found the vehicle, and arrested the driver the following day.

The driver pleaded guilty in March to gross vehicular manslaughter with special enhancements including fleeing the scene. On Tuesday, May 10, he was sentenced to four years in prison for the manslaughter charge plus five years for the enhancements, for a total of nine years.

During the victim impact statements, Andres’s mother, Esther Castillo, said “Nine years is nothing. He should at least serve the years he cut off of my son’s life.”

Andres’s brother, Moises Aguilera, carries on the memory of his brother through advocacy. He is an ambassador for “It Could Be Me”, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the relationship between motorists and other users of the road by creating an environment of mutual respect.