Visalia, CA (January 18, 2026) – Officials have identified Jessica De La Cruz, 36, as the woman who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Sunday in Visalia.
Incident Details: On Sunday, January 18, after midnight, officers responded to Giddings Street and Howard Avenue for a report of a hit-and-run. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found De La Cruz lying on the street.
De La Cruz was transported to the hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries.
The suspect is still at large, and the police continue to search for the driver. Police described the suspect vehicle as a 2004-2005 Honda Civic with possible front-end damage.
Investigation: Visalia police are continuing to investigate the fatal hit-and-run that killed Jessica De La Cruz near Giddings Street and Howard Avenue. Investigators will likely focus on:
- Crash reconstruction: Determining how De La Cruz was struck and the vehicle’s direction of travel.
- Scene evidence: Reviewing debris, roadway markings, and any physical evidence left behind.
- Vehicle identification: Confirming details about the suspect vehicle, described as a 2004–2005 Honda Civic with possible front-end damage.
- Witness and video review: Collecting witness statements and checking for nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage.
- Driver location efforts: Following leads to identify and locate the suspect driver who remains at large.
These steps will help investigators determine exactly what happened and identify the person responsible.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes can involve both criminal consequences and civil liability, but legal options often depend on identifying the responsible driver. If the driver is located and investigators determine the driver’s negligence caused the collision, De La Cruz’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of companionship and support.
Identifying the driver is also critical because it determines what insurance coverage may be available to help the family recover damages.
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jessica De La Cruz as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.
Source: Your Central Valley