Man learns fate after hitting and killing a young woman in 2023

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Valley man learned his fate Friday morning at the Fresno County Courthouse after fatally striking a young woman who was crossing the street.

"We're missing something, you know, something is always missing in our family. Holidays, birthdays," said Beatriz Montell, the victim's older sister.

In October 2023, 19-year-old Corina Samuels was hit and killed while crossing near Ashlan and Valentine avenues in Central Fresno.

According to the police report, it was dark at the time, and Samuels was not in a crosswalk.

Her family described the night as heartbreaking.

On Friday, they stood in court and shared emotional testimonies about the impact of her loss.

"We saw our sister on the ground, and that night changed everything," Montell said.

"When I first heard the news, I could barely function. It doesn't get better," added another family member.

The incident also changed the life of Joseph Valles, the driver involved.

He appeared in court with tears in his eyes as his attorney spoke about the emotional toll he's endured.

"He wanted to kill himself the night it happened, he freaked out and ran, and the court must consider his mental state," said attorney Kathy Bird.

Valles was sentenced to 272 days in jail and two years of probation.

After the verdict was handed down, he was handcuffed and led out of the courtroom.

Bird said the outcome was expected. Although Valles left the scene, she emphasized that he tried to turn himself in the next day and has cooperated since.

"None of us can say how we'd react in that situation until we are in it, and Valles was so distraught," Bird said. "He came to my office the next day wanting to turn himself in. For two years, he's wanted to tell the victim's family how sorry he is."

Samuel's older sister, Beatriz, says her family is forgiving and understands that Valles is hurting. Still, she feels a sense of relief knowing he will serve jail time.

Her message to drivers and pedestrians: always be mindful of your surroundings.

Montell has also joined a support group called Families for Safe Streets to help cope with the grief.

"They get people who have been in hit and runs, and I am so thankful to be a part of that because they helped me get through this."

For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, X and Instagram.