A hit-and-run driver now faces a manslaughter charge after one of the two juveniles he allegedly hit in La Quinta died from his injuries, authorities announced Friday.
Riverside County Police Department deputies were notified on Oct. 24 that one of the two juveniles who were injured on Oct. 10 had died of his injuries, the department said in an update. The second juvenile has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, officials said. Their identities were not revealed because they are minors.
At approximately 9:06 p.m. on Oct. 10, the two juveniles were biking across Highway 111 when they were struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Adams Street in La Quinta, according to officials. The driver fled before paramedics arrived, and both victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators located the suspect vehicle in La Quinta and arrested the driver, identified as 47-year-old Jose Villegasorbe of Palm Springs.
The Sheriff’s Department said evidence shows Villegasorbe was intoxicated at the time of the crash and was also involved in a separate hit-and-run earlier that night in Indian Wells. He was also on probation for a previous DUI conviction, officials said.
Villegasorbe was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and violation of probation. Prosecutors have since filed a charge of manslaughter in connection with the juvenile’s death.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy A. Martinez with the Sheriff’s Thermal Station La Quinta Traffic Team at 760-863-8990, or leave an anonymous tip at 760-341-STOP (7867), citing Incident No. LA252830068.
Elizabeth Chapman contributed to this report.