Man Accused of Killing Mother of 3 in DUI Hit-and-Run Drove on Suspended License

A California man charged in the fatal DUI hit-and-run death of a mother of three had a suspended driver's license from a previous drunken-driving conviction at the time of the incident, prosecutors said.

Fernando Cruz Saldana, 26, pleaded not guilty Friday to murder and several other charges in connection with the September 15 death of Vanessa Wheyland. Wheyland was walking with her family near Redwood Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad when she was struck by a vehicle just before 8 p.m., according to friends. She sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Police stated that Saldana fled the scene after the collision. His vehicle was located approximately one mile away, aided by information from the public, automated license plate readers, and evidence recovered at the crash site.

Saldana's prior DUI conviction in San Diego in 2023 allowed prosecutors to charge him with second-degree murder under California's "Watson Murder" doctrine, according to a criminal complaint. He also faces charges of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death, driving under the influence causing injury or death, and gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence.

He is currently being held without bail following his arraignment.

Wheyland is survived by her husband and three daughters. A GoFundMe page established for her family described her as "a devoted wife, an incredible mother, and a cherished friend whose love and presence touched so many people."

Thousands gathered Thursday at Tamarack Beach for a candlelight vigil to honor Wheyland's memory, according to Fox 5 San Diego. The fatal crash has also intensified concerns among local residents who have reported numerous accidents, including fatal ones, along the same stretch of road, as reported by NBC 7.