2 teenagers arrested in Dinuba hit-and-run that killed boy

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dinuba police officers arrested two teenagers on Friday in connection with the killing of a 9-year-old boy.

Eli Villarreal was killed on Oct. 19, 2014, in Dinuba. The initial suspected driver -- a teenager -- was arrested and released pending a more intense investigation.

Eli was playing outside with friends, when a van struck him and dragged him down the road. The two teens suspected of being in the van turned themselves in to police a while after leaving the scene. But they were released from custody when the district attorney said he needed more evidence from investigators.

The Tulare County Superior Court issued arrest warrants on Friday after a complaint was filed by the district attorney, charging Anthony Martinez, 18, and Sage Martinez, 16, with murder and vehicular manslaughter.

Eli's mother sent Action News the following statement:

"This is the first step to justice. We pray for convictions and will continue our quest and vigilance over the case."