Woman with Lengthy Criminal History Charged in Death of Parlier Teen

Tiffany Mercado faces multiple felonies after allegedly striking and killing 15-year-old Juliani Moreno while driving without a license.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:34am

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A 35-year-old woman named Tiffany Mercado has been charged with four felonies, including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, following the death of 15-year-old Parlier resident Juliani Moreno. Mercado allegedly struck and killed Moreno as he was crossing the street with his girlfriend. Police say Mercado's car was seen on surveillance video crashing into a nearby business at a high rate of speed shortly after the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers posed by repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories who continue to be released back into the community. Mercado has over a decade of prior felony convictions, including for assault, burglary, and making criminal threats, raising questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing such individuals from committing further crimes.

The details

Mercado was arrested on Wednesday by Parlier Police and charged with Felony Vehicular Manslaughter With Gross Negligence, two counts of Felony Assault W/Deadly Weapon Other Than Firearm, Felony Reckless Driving Causing Injury, and Misdemeanor Unlicensed Driver. According to the victim's girlfriend, Mercedes Solano, she and Moreno were holding hands and crossing the street when Mercado's car struck and killed him.

  • On Wednesday, Parlier Police arrested Tiffany Mercado.
  • On Thursday night, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office announced the charges against Mercado.

The players

Tiffany Mercado

A 35-year-old woman with an extensive criminal history, including over a decade of felony convictions for charges such as assault, burglary, and making criminal threats.

Juliani Moreno

A 15-year-old resident of Parlier, California who was struck and killed by Mercado's vehicle while crossing the street with his girlfriend.

Mercedes Solano

The girlfriend of Juliani Moreno, who was with him when he was struck and killed by Mercado's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“We were just crossing the street here. It was so quick.”

— Mercedes Solano, Girlfriend of Juliani Moreno (KSEE/KGPE)

“She does have a number of strike offenses, including robbery, burglary, threats, and the circumstances of this particular incident are so tragic.”

— Mark King, Legal Analyst (KSEE/KGPE)

What’s next

Mercado will be arraigned on Friday at the Fresno County Superior Court. If convicted, she could face a 'third strike' sentence of 25-years-to-life in state prison due to her prior criminal history.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for reforms to the criminal justice system to better protect the public from repeat offenders with long histories of violent and dangerous behavior. The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and it raises urgent questions about how to balance public safety with rehabilitation and second chances.