San Jose, California — A 29-year-old man was killed Saturday night in a hit-and-run collision on McCoy Avenue in south San Jose, leaving his family searching for answers and urging the public to come forward with information.
San Jose police identified the victim as Loren Badillo, a Livermore native who had recently started a new job in artificial intelligence and was preparing to visit family for the holidays. Officers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle around 6:40 p.m. in the 4900 block of McCoy Avenue. Badillo was found with severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident Details: According to Badillo’s family, the events leading up to the collision remain unclear. His mother, Tammie Conti, believes her son had exited his vehicle after an argument and was walking home, roughly a mile away, when an unknown driver struck him. The driver did not stop to render aid and fled the scene.
Friends describe Badillo as someone who brought warmth and light wherever he went. His roommate, Marianna Belmares, said he had a rare ability to make people feel welcome and accepted. “He had such a beautiful heart,” she said.
Neighbors in the area report that speeding and poor lighting are common problems along McCoy Avenue, particularly at night. One resident noted that vehicles frequently travel at speeds well above the safe limit and that visibility after dark is limited, conditions that may be relevant as investigators work to understand how the collision occurred.
Investigation: The San Jose Police Department continues to investigate the fatal hit-and-run. Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses and are asking residents to review doorbell and surveillance footage that may show the moments before or after the crash. At this time, police have not released a description of the suspect vehicle.
In pedestrian hit-and-run cases, investigators typically examine roadway lighting, sightlines, vehicle speed, debris patterns, and impact points to determine the circumstances of the collision. They may also assess whether the driver had sufficient time and visibility to avoid the pedestrian and whether environmental factors, such as lighting deficiencies or roadway design, contributed to the risk. Video evidence and community tips often play a critical role in identifying fleeing drivers.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, drivers involved in collisions with pedestrians are required by law to stop immediately, provide aid, and contact emergency services. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a felony and can carry significant prison time, in addition to civil liability.
For Loren’s family, the pain of his death is compounded by the unanswered questions left behind when a driver flees. While a criminal prosecution can impose consequences on the responsible driver, the family may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship and love.
Anyone with information about the crash or surveillance footage from the McCoy Avenue area is urged to contact the San Jose Police Department.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Badillo family and loved ones as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Source: NBC Bay Area