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Charges amended against man accused of running over girlfriend
Joseph Garcia now faces additional charges, including aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, in the death of his 18-year-old girlfriend Rose Hernandez.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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A 19-year-old Scranton man, Joseph Garcia, has been accused of running over and killing his 18-year-old girlfriend Rose Hernandez with his car in December. Garcia initially faced two counts of aggravated assault, but prosecutors have now filed additional charges against him, including aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, tampering with physical evidence, and involuntary manslaughter.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for accountability when a person's actions directly lead to the death of another. It also raises questions about bail and pre-trial release policies, as Garcia was previously held without bail but has now been moved to house arrest.
The details
According to the criminal complaint, on December 29th police responded to a report of a woman not breathing in West Scranton. They found Rose Hernandez bleeding from the mouth in a puddle of blood. She was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead, with the autopsy determining the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head. Surveillance footage showed a physical altercation between Garcia and Hernandez outside his car, with Hernandez trying to enter the passenger side as Garcia drove away, causing her to fall and strike her head.
- On December 29, police responded to the incident where Hernandez was found injured.
- On Tuesday, February 17, Garcia waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the charges against him were amended.
- Garcia's next court appearance is set for April 10 at 9 a.m.
The players
Joseph Garcia
A 19-year-old Scranton man accused of running over and killing his 18-year-old girlfriend Rose Hernandez with his car in December.
Rose Hernandez
An 18-year-old woman who was killed after being run over by her boyfriend Joseph Garcia's car in December.
Bo Loughney
The Lackawanna County Deputy District Attorney.
Chris Osborne
The Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney.
What they’re saying
“We must hold those accountable who commit acts of violence that lead to the death of another person.”
— Bo Loughney, Lackawanna County Deputy District Attorney
What’s next
Garcia's next court appearance is set for April 10 at 9 a.m., where the amended charges against him will be heard.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the need for stronger domestic violence prevention and accountability measures to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure justice is served when lives are lost due to reckless and violent actions.
