Woman accused of deadly central Fresno hit-and-run pleads not guilty

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An emotional morning in a Fresno County courtroom as the family of Marvin Johnson Jr. came face-to-face with the woman accused of killing him in a hit-and-run crash earlier this month.

On Thursday, 31-year-old Jamie McKenzie pleaded not guilty to the killing of the beloved father, husband and son.

Earlier this month, Marvin Johnson Jr. was returning home on his motorcycle from his Amazon job when he was struck by a silver SUV at the intersection of Fruit and Dakota.

Investigators say McKenzie fled the scene, leaving Johnson injured in the roadway.

McKenzie surrendered to the police on Wednesday, and the following day, she faced Johnson's family for the first time.

The emotion was raw for the family preparing to lay their loved one to rest.

"So anybody here, in Fresno, or anywhere else that's feeling sorry for her, please do not feel sorry for her," Johnson's mother Hazel Ashford said. "She just went in court and pleaded not guilty when she is guilty. Be a woman, own up to your wrongdoing and plead guilty."

McKenzie is facing a vehicular manslaughter charge and is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on August 5.

In the meantime, Johnson's family is preparing funeral services scheduled for August 31.

For news updates, follow Christina Lopez on Facebook, X and Instagram.