PALMDALE, CA (November 11, 2025) — A 38-year-old woman died early Saturday morning when a hit-and-run driver struck her in Palmdale. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Jeanette Garcia.
Accident Details: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that the crash occurred at 4:13 a.m. Saturday in the area of 20th Street East and Avenue S. According to a watch commander at the Palmdale station, Garcia was pushing a shopping cart across Avenue S when the collision occurred.
Sheriff’s officials said the driver of a light blue 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling westbound on Avenue S in the left lane and struck Garcia. The driver continued out of view without stopping to render aid to Garcia or call 911. Arriving paramedics pronounced Garcia dead at the scene.
Deputies located the Grand Marquis and its driver at a Palmdale address. The driver was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges and the vehicle was impounded for evidence. Investigators said alcohol was a factor in the fatal crash.
Investigation: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Deputies were able to locate both the vehicle and the driver responsible for the crash at a Palmdale address.
The investigation determined that alcohol contributed to the collision. Authorities arrested the driver on suspicion of multiple felony charges related to the hit-and-run and the fatal collision. The Grand Marquis was impounded as evidence.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Detective Knutson of the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2596.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes involving alcohol carry serious criminal penalties in California. When a driver flees the scene of a fatal collision, they face felony charges that can include vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death. The combination of impaired driving and leaving the scene demonstrates a disregard for the victim’s life and public safety.
Families who lose a loved one to a drunk driver face not only grief but also financial hardship. Wrongful death claims in these cases can seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, and the loss of companionship and support. When alcohol is involved, punitive damages may also be available to punish the driver’s reckless conduct.
Criminal prosecution runs separately from civil claims, allowing families to pursue justice through both the court system and personal injury law.
We extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jeanette Garcia as they remember her life.
Source: MyNewsLA