Parlier, CA (March 10, 2026) – Fifteen-year-old Juliani Moreno died after he was struck by an intoxicated driver while crossing the street in Parlier.
Incident Details: According to CAL FIRE, the crash occurred on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, near Mendocino and Parlier Avenues when two people were crossing the roadway.
A vehicle driven by 35-year-old Tiffany Mercado struck Moreno. Officials estimated that Mercado was traveling at least 60 miles per hour or more at the time of the collision.
After hitting the teenager, the vehicle reportedly continued traveling for roughly 1,000 feet before crashing through the front landscaping of Francy’s Bridal Flower Shop, an incident that was captured on surveillance video.
Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police report that Mercado was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the crash. She was arrested on Wednesday morning and booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter, intoxicated driver causing death, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and inflicting great bodily injury during the commission of a felony.
Investigation: Law enforcement authorities are continuing to investigate the fatal crash and the circumstances leading up to the collision. Evidence collected at the scene and witness statements have already played a significant role in the early stages of the investigation.
Investigators will likely review several key factors, including:
- Vehicle speed and crash evidence—Authorities estimate the vehicle was traveling around 60 mph or more and will analyze skid marks, impact points, and vehicle damage to determine the speed and severity of the collision.
- Driver impairment—Police reported that the driver was under the influence of an intoxicant, and toxicology results and officer observations will help confirm the extent of impairment.
- Surveillance video—Security footage from a nearby business captured parts of the incident and may help investigators reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash and the vehicle’s path afterward.
- Witness statements—Investigators will review accounts from people who saw the crash or events leading up to it to clarify how the collision unfolded.
- Crash reconstruction analysis—Specialists may examine braking evidence, vehicle damage patterns, and roadway markings to determine the sequence of events and how the crash occurred.
The findings from this investigation will help authorities determine the exact cause of the crash and support the criminal charges that have already been filed.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving impaired and reckless driving often lead to both criminal charges and civil liability. When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence and causes a fatal collision, that conduct may be considered gross negligence under California law.
If investigators confirm that intoxication and excessive speed caused the crash, Juliani Moreno’s surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A civil claim may seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional loss, and the loss of companionship and support resulting from the tragic death of a loved one.
My heart goes out to Juliani Moreno’s family, friends, and the Parlier community as they mourn the loss of such a young life. No family should have to experience this kind of heartbreak, and I hope they are surrounded by support during this incredibly difficult time.
Source: Fox 26 News