15-year-old father-to-be struck, killed by Escalade in Sun Valley hit-and-run

SUN VALLEY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 15-year-old father-to-be was killed in a violent hit-and-run crash Saturday in Sun Valley, police say.

The incident happened just after 11 p.m. at Strathern Street, just east of Craner Avenue.

Police say the driver of a Cadillac Escalade somehow lost control and crashed into a parked car, then spun out and struck 15-year-old Carlos Pech.

Pech was thrown into another parked car and later declared dead at the scene.

"I heard the crash from my house," said the boy's heartbroken mother, Christine Hernandez. "My grandmother lives over here. I heard the crash, and I knew that I lost my son. Something just told me that was my son."

According to police, debris from the collision hit a second pedestrian who was also walking on the sidewalk. That person, who wasn't immediately identified, is expected to be OK.

The driver of the Cadillac was identified as 22-year-old Joseph Delgado of North Hills. Police said he was arrested for murder and booked at the Van Nuys Jail.

Pech was expecting a child next month, according to his family. Hernandez described him as a good brother and son. She said Pech had just celebrated his birthday and was the same age she was when she had him.

"He was a very fun, lovable kid," said Hernandez. "When his friends needed something, he was always there to open the house, even though we didn't have enough... we always helped out."

His family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at 818-644-8036 or Officer Reyes at 818-644-8114.

If you'd like to remain anonymous, you can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers website.