Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Francisco Garcia (DOB 10/07/68), of Oxnard, has been convicted by a jury of second-degree murder for the DUI crash that killed Elicia Lopez-Hernandez in 2018. The jury also found Garcia guilty of two felony DUI counts that resulted in great bodily injury to another victim, and felony fleeing the scene of an accident after causing serious injury. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the crime involved great violence, the victim was vulnerable, and Garcia engaged in violent conduct.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Edward Andrews prosecuted the case.
“The jury’s verdict today recognizes the devastating consequences of the defendant’s actions,” Mr. Andrews said. “The defendant took the life of a woman who only sought to help others, grievously injured another good Samaritan, then he fled rather than face what he did. After a long and challenging process, these convictions bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family. It also sends a clear message: repeated acts of drinking and driving can be deadly. This conviction enhances public safety for our Ventura County community.”