Fresno Hit-and-Run Kills Mother and 9-Year-Old Son

Family mourns 'noble' mom and 'loving' child killed in tragic crash

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car mirror reflecting the faint outline of a street lamp, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting against a dark background.A tragic hit-and-run crash leaves a family devastated and a community seeking justice.Fresno Today

A Fresno mother and her 9-year-old son were killed in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning. Martha Hernandez, 41, and her son Adrian were on their way home from a family party when their car was broadsided by another vehicle that ran a red light. The force of the crash pushed their car into a canal, where their bodies were later recovered. The driver of the other vehicle, 22-year-old Timothy Seth Chavez, later turned himself in and faces multiple charges including vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has devastated the Hernandez family and the local community. It highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run crashes, which often leave victims and their loved ones with little recourse. The case also raises questions about road safety, driver accountability, and whether enough is being done to prevent such senseless loss of life.

The details

According to police, Martha Hernandez and her 9-year-old son Adrian were driving home from a family party in Madera when their vehicle was struck by another car that ran a red light at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Fresno Street. The force of the impact pushed Hernandez's car into a nearby canal, where both she and Adrian were killed. The driver of the other vehicle, 22-year-old Timothy Seth Chavez, fled the scene but later turned himself in to authorities. Chavez has been charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run, driving without insurance, and driving on a suspended license.

  • The crash occurred early Monday morning.
  • Later that day, Timothy Seth Chavez surrendered to police.
  • As of Wednesday afternoon, Chavez remains in custody with bail set at around $82,000.

The players

Martha Hernandez

A 41-year-old Fresno woman who was killed in the hit-and-run crash. She was described by her mother as a 'very good daughter' who was 'studious' and 'hardworking'.

Adrian Hernandez

Martha Hernandez's 9-year-old son who was also killed in the crash. He was remembered by his grandmother as a 'good child' who was 'very loving' and 'very studious and intelligent'.

Timothy Seth Chavez

The 22-year-old driver who allegedly ran the red light and struck the Hernandez vehicle, causing the fatal crash. He has been charged with multiple counts including vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.

Evangelina Herrera

Martha Hernandez's mother, who spoke emotionally about her daughter and grandson at a vigil held for the victims.

Daniel Gurrola

Martha Hernandez's father, who said the family just wants 'justice to be served' for the tragic loss of his daughter and grandson.

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What they’re saying

“'She was a very good daughter — studious, with a desire to better herself and get ahead in life. She was always very hardworking and a fighter, a very noble person — very, very noble — and she loved helping everyone.'”

— Evangelina Herrera, Martha Hernandez's mother

“'And as for the boy, what can I say? He was such a good child — very loving, and also very studious and intelligent. He would come in and always say, 'Grandma, I love you very much.' He would give me a big hug.'”

— Evangelina Herrera, Martha Hernandez's mother

“'It's incredibly hard for us. There's nothing we can do. We just want justice to be served — let the law take its proper course.'”

— Daniel Gurrola, Martha Hernandez's father

What’s next

Timothy Seth Chavez is scheduled to appear in court next week, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This devastating hit-and-run crash has left a family and community in mourning, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter accountability for drivers who flee the scene of a deadly accident. While no amount of justice can undo this tragedy, the family hopes the legal process will provide some measure of closure and help prevent similar senseless losses in the future.