BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Before the arraignment, family members of 8-year-old Xxavien Hernandez gathered outside the Kern County courthouse, holding pictures of the young boy and calling for justice.<\/p>\n
His mother, Stephanie Hernandez, could not contain her grief as she was comforted by her children and relatives.<\/p>\n
Inside the courtroom, 33-year-old Andres Serna, the man accused of causing the deadly crash, faced a judge for the first time. Serna pleaded not guilty to six felony charges, including second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.<\/p>\n
NATS:\u00a0\u201c\u00a1El ni\u00f1o, el ni\u00f1o!\u201dThat was the sound that filled the air Monday afternoon at the corner of East California Avenue and Haley Street, where the crash happened around noon.<\/p>\n
According to Bakersfield Police, Serna was driving under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of his black Nissan pickup, crashed through a fence, and struck Tony Hernandez and his 8-year-old son Xxavien, who were eating lunch near a food truck.<\/p>\n
Tony Hernandez suffered multiple fractures and remains hospitalized. His family says he will require additional surgeries.<\/p>\n
Xxavien\u2019s injuries were fatal. The boy died the next day at Valley Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n
Family members say Xxavien had just celebrated his birthday on September 27th. He was a second-grade student at Pauly Elementary School and was remembered as a bright, loving child who brought joy to everyone around him.<\/p>\n
Funeral services are pending.<\/p>\n
Court records show Serna has two prior misdemeanor DUI convictions in Kern County. <\/p>\n
This latest case, prosecutors say, could result in far more serious consequences.<\/p>\n
Serna is represented by the public defender\u2019s office. His next court appearance is scheduled for a later date.<\/p>\n
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