Teens suspected in deadly hit-and-run to be released without charges
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. -- The Tulare County District Attorney is not charging the two teenagers who turned themselves into police in the hit-and-run death of a nine-year-old boy in Dinuba.
The family of Elijah Villareal is outraged, saying they don't understand why the two suspects are not being charged, especially after turning themselves in.
But the Tulare County DA is simply telling Action News the case is back in the hands of the Dinuba police for further investigation.
Eli's mom says he was an athletic little boy, who loved sharing his faith in God, being with family and playing with his friends.
Now that he's gone, instead of grieving she's angry. "I just find out today that the other children, whom took my son's life away from me, are at home right now with their mother's watching TV and my son is in a freezer," Elizenda Chavarria said. "And I'm trying to figure that out."
Surrounded by her loved ones Chavarria told Action News she was stunned to hear the DA sent her son's case back to Dinuba police. "Where is the justice," she questioned. "What is wrong with this system?"
Investigators say Eli was struck by a van Sunday night while playing outside with his friends. They watched in horror as, according to his family, he was dragged down the street.
"Why didn't you stop," said Veronica Sanchez, Eli's relative. "Instead you decided to zig-zag him through the streets and leave a pool of blood behind you."
Investigators say the two suspects turned themselves in to Orange Cove police a while after leaving the scene of the crash.
Eli's family says they weren't given a reason for the releases. "This little boy no longer has a voice, but there is plenty of us that can be his voice," Sanchez said.
Our calls to Dinuba police have not been returned.
In the meantime, Eli's family has started a Facebook page to share memories, and express their frustration with the investigation.
Elijah's family says they won't be quiet until they get justice.
