Parlier teen to face charges in crash that killed boy

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Parlier teenager is expected to face vehicular manslaughter charges for the death of a young boy.

Investigators say the 17-year-old suspect was driving without a license when he lost control of the truck last week. They say he slammed into 9-year-old Diego Estrada, his sister and a friend who were headed to school. Estrada died from the impact.

Police are recommending the teen suspect's mother is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor because investigators believe she knew her son was unlicensed for months.

Estrada's former pre-school teacher remembers the young child as a smart boy whose life ended too soon. "He was a sweet shy little boy," said Elena Elizondo. "You don't imagine something like this happening. Like they say it's a parent's worst nightmare."

Donations can be made to the Diego Estrada Memorial Fund at Bank of the West branches Valley-wide.