Oildale, California (April 1, 2026) — A 39-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Manor Street in the Oildale area, according to authorities.
Officials identified the deceased as Urbano Murillo Jr. of Shafter.
The crash happened in the 1300 block of Manor Street, south of East Norris Road.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol and Kern County Coroner’s Office, Murillo was walking in an unknown direction on Manor Street when an unidentified vehicle traveling southbound struck him. Investigators said the vehicle was traveling at an unknown speed at the time of the collision.
Authorities said the driver fled the scene in an unknown direction after the crash. Murillo landed on the west shoulder of Manor Street and was pronounced dead at the scene. Public reporting has not identified the vehicle involved or provided any further description of the driver.
CHP also said it is still unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.
Investigation: In a hit-and-run pedestrian crash like this one, investigators will likely focus first on identifying the vehicle and driver who left the scene. That process may include reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, examining debris left at the scene, and looking for paint transfer, broken vehicle parts, or other physical evidence that could help identify the fleeing vehicle.
Investigators may also work to determine why Murillo was in the roadway, whether lighting or visibility played a role, and whether the driver had enough time and distance to avoid the impact. In pedestrian fatalities where the victim’s direction of travel is unknown and the vehicle description is limited, early evidence collection becomes especially important. These cases often depend on small details gathered in the hours immediately after the crash.
Legal Considerations: Fatal hit-and-run crashes often raise serious civil liability issues, especially once the fleeing driver is identified. Leaving the scene of a fatal pedestrian collision can be powerful evidence of wrongdoing and may become an important issue in both the criminal investigation and any later civil case.
Pending the investigation’s findings, the Murillo family may have a valid opportunity to pursue a wrongful death claim. That type of claim may provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of love and companionship.
If the driver is identified, additional questions may also arise about insurance coverage, vehicle ownership, and whether another person or entity may share responsibility. Even when the first public reports contain only limited details, a civil investigation can help uncover what happened and preserve evidence before it disappears.
My sincere sympathies go out to Urbano Murillo Jr.’s family and loved ones.
Source: KGET