A 19-year-old has pleaded no contest to charges in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy who was struck and killed while crossing a street in Salinas, California. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced on August 27 that Ricardo Archundia Cruz entered the plea for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as well as an enhancement for fleeing the scene.
Prosecutors reported that on July 26, 2024, Cruz was driving at twice the speed limit with an open can of beer in his car. As he approached an intersection more than 900 feet away, the traffic light changed from green to yellow and then to red. Despite this, prosecutors said Cruz continued at about 50 miles per hour and ran through the red light ten seconds after it had changed.
At that time, Fermin Maldonado and his guardian began crossing with a green light. According to prosecutors, “The guardian was holding Fermin’s hand when he noticed the car speeding toward them and tried to pull him back.” The guardian was hit and thrown about 60 feet but survived with severe injuries. Fermin was trapped under the vehicle and dragged as Cruz fled; prosecutors stated, “Fermin’s lifeless body was eventually expelled from under the car over 600 feet away from impact.”
Cruz did not stop after hitting them. He later got a ride to San Diego before fleeing to Mexico. Authorities say Salinas police persuaded him to return for trial. He was arrested at the San Ysidro Border Crossing on August 4, 2024.
Fermin’s family expressed their grief in a GoFundMe post: “He was an amazing little boy, always smiling, full of joy.” His mother told KSBW she hoped for justice for her son.
Cruz also admitted guilt for felony assault with a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury to another victim. He is expected in court again on October 22 and faces a possible sentence of seventeen years in prison.
Seaside is located approximately 115 miles south of San Francisco.