Kern County, CA (December 27, 2024) – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 51-year-old Edward Yarnold Morehouse as the pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle on Roberts Lane on Friday, December 27, 2024.
Accident Details: The crash occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Preliminary reports state that Morehouse was walking outside a marked crosswalk across Roberts Lane. When he entered the southbound lane, he was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. Morehouse died at the scene. Authorities have not identified the vehicle, nor do they have a description. It is unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Law enforcement must conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver. Key investigative steps include:
- Surveillance Camera Analysis: In cases like this, authorities review surveillance footage from nearby businesses, residential security cameras, and traffic cameras. They analyze the footage to identify the suspect vehicle, its direction of travel, and any distinguishing features such as vehicle make, model, color, and license plate information.
- Physical Evidence at the Scene: Investigators also examine vehicle debris, paint chips, and tire marks left at the crash site. This evidence may provide crucial clues about the type of vehicle involved.
- Witness Interviews: Interviews of witnesses present during the collision are vital to the investigation.
If someone is killed in a crash due to another’s negligence, their family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Edward Yarnold Morehouse.
Source: Bakersfield Now