2 drivers charged in hit-and-run crash that killed 9-year-old boy in Orange

ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Vehicular manslaughter charges were filed Monday against two hit-and-run drivers who sped through a red light and fatally struck a 9-year-old boy in the city of Orange.

Roderick Jerro and Miguel Villagomez Jr. fled the scene of the accident near North Glassell and Wilson streets Thursday night.

A witness told Eyewitness News Jesse Rosales was crossing the street along a crosswalk with his 15-year-old sister when he was struck and killed. She was not injured.

Villagomez and Jerro were involved in a two-vehicle collision near Tustin Street and Palm Avenue, and Villagomez attempted to flee the scene, according to the Orange Police Department. That's when Jerro began following Villagomez and both suspects sped through the red light, hitting Rosales. Rosales was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said Roderick incurred an extra charge of hit-and-run resulting in death and a sentencing enhancement for a prior strike conviction for a 1986 residential burglary in Los Angeles County.

If convicted, Villagomez faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison and Jerro faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in state prison.

Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 28.

If you have any information about this case, you're urged to contact the Orange Police Department at (714) 744-7444.