BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — New details have emerged in the tragic crash that claimed the life of 8-year-old Xxavien Lee Alvarez Hernandez in Bakersfield.
Court documents reveal that the suspect, 33-year-old Andres Serna, had a blood alcohol content of 0.353%, more than four times the legal limit.
Andres Serna pleaded not guilty to several charges, including murder, for a suspected DUI crash that killed an 8-year-old boy. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
This incident marks Serna’s third DUI offense.
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Serna faces seven charges, including DUI causing great bodily injury, DUI with alcohol and drugs, hit-and-run, and driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%.
Prosecutors have also charged him with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and second-degree murder.
Court records indicate Serna had prior DUI convictions in 2018 and 2022.
The crash occurred as Xxavien and his father were eating lunch in front of a food truck.
Xxavien’s father attempted to pull him out of the way of the oncoming pickup truck, but both were struck.
Xxavien was rendered unconscious and later died from his injuries at Valley Children’s Hospital.
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His father sustained moderate injuries.
Investigators report that Serna, who was driving on a suspended license, attempted to flee the scene.
He admitted to officers that he felt heavily intoxicated from a combination of alcohol and antidepressants, despite his prescription warning against such use.
During questioning, Serna expressed shock and emotion upon learning of the crash’s severe consequences.
Serna pleaded not guilty in Kern County Superior Court and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 14.
PHOTO:{ }KBAK/KBFX, GoFundMe
He remains in custody at Lerdo Jail.
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In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe has been established to assist Xxavien’s family with funeral and medical expenses.
Additionally, the food truck involved in the incident is organizing a community fundraiser this weekend, donating a portion of their sales and collecting donations to support the Hernandez family.