Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who left one person dead and another hospitalized in a Santa Ana crash.
The victim who died was identified as Joshua Cervantes, 21, by the Santa Ana Police Department.
On April 2, 2023, police responded to reports of a hit-and-run near Ross Street and St. Gertrude Place involving two pedestrians.
Cervantes and some friends were standing next to a car in the roadway for a few minutes when Cervantes crouched down. That’s when he and a friend were suddenly struck by an oncoming SUV.
The suspect did not stop and continued speeding away westbound on St. Gertrude Place, police said.
Arriving officers found Cervantes lying on the road and unresponsive. He was rushed to a local trauma center and despite lifesaving measures, was pronounced dead. The other person survived but was hospitalized for several days.
Joshua Cervantes, 21, is seen in a photo provided by his family. 
Joshua Cervantes, 21, is seen in a photo provided by his family. 
The suspect’s vehicle (similar to the one pictured) is silver or gold-colored 2000s-era SUV. (Santa Ana Police Department) 
Joshua Cervantes and a friend was struck near the intersection of Ross Street and St. Gertrude Place in Santa Ana on April 2, 2023. (Santa Ana Police Department) 
Joshua Cervantes and a friend was struck near the intersection of Ross Street and St. Gertrude Place in Santa Ana on April 2, 2023. (Google Earth) 
Joshua Cervantes, 21, is seen in photos provided by his family. 
A memorial near the crash site honors Joshua Cervantes. (Santa Ana Police Department)
Cervantes’ loved ones remain devastated over his death as the suspect remains at large.
“My son was the world to us,” said Frances Morga, the victim’s mother. “He was so special. The last day I saw him I gave him a hug and told him ‘I love you,’ and he said ‘Mom, I love you,’ and that was the night the accident happened. I don’t know how to continue on without him. I miss him so much.”
The suspect vehicle is described as a silver or gold-colored 2000s-era SUV similar to a Ford Expedition.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the case to come forward and help bring closure to the victim’s loved ones.
“It’s been a year since my son passed,” Morga said. “It’s been the longest year of my life. This perpetrator is still out there. I want to ask everyone if they could help, if they know anything about this crime to come forward and make this person accountable for the crime. If the person out there is not caught, they might hurt someone else. I want my son to get justice. I feel that if this perpetrator is not caught, my son is not going to rest in peace.”
Cervantes is survived by his parents, brother and community of friends.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Ana police sergeant Richard Shin at 714-245-8294.
Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.
