{"id":469455,"date":"2026-09-19T22:48:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T22:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/469455\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T22:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T22:48:10","slug":"california-man-accused-of-killing-mom-of-3-in-dui-hit-and-run-had-suspended-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/469455\/","title":{"rendered":"California man accused of killing mom of 3 in DUI hit-and-run had suspended license"},"content":{"rendered":"

A California man accused of killing a mother of three<\/a> in a DUI hit-and-run was driving with a suspended license from a previous drunken-driving conviction when he allegedly struck her and fled.<\/p>\n

Fernando Cruz Saldana, 26, pleaded not guilty Friday to murder and other charges stemming from the Sept. 15 death of Vanessa Wheyland near Redwood Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard, close to Tamarack Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wheyland, a mother of three, was walking with her family when she was struck just before 8 p.m., according to friends. She suffered major injuries<\/a> and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.<\/p>\n

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Vanessa Michelson Wheyland is pictured in this undated photo. Gofundme<\/p>\n

Police say Saldana fled after the crash. His vehicle was found about a mile away with help from information provided by community members, automated license plate readers and evidence left at the scene.<\/p>\n

Saldana appeared in court Friday and pleaded not guilty to murder and several other charges, NBC 7 reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The case took an even more serious turn because of Saldana\u2019s previous DUI conviction in San Diego in 2023, according to a criminal complaint. His license was still suspended from that conviction when the deadly crash happened.<\/p>\n

Under California law, that prior conviction allowed prosecutors to charge Saldana with second-degree murder under the \u201cWatson Murder\u201d doctrine.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Wheyland was struck and killed by a driver, leaving behind her husband and three children. Gofundme<\/p>\n

Saldana is being held without bail following his arraignment.<\/p>\n

Wheyland\u2019s death has left behind a husband and three daughters.<\/p>\n

\u201cVanessa was a devoted wife, an incredible mother, and a cherished friend whose love and presence touched so many people,\u201d a GoFundMe<\/a> for her family read.<\/p>\n

Carlsbad Police investigate the scene of a fatal hit-and-run collision on Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad. ONSCENE.TV<\/p>\n

People gather at South Tamarack Jetty to pay tribute to Vanessa Wheyland in Carlsbad. FOX 5 SAN DIEGO<\/p>\n

Wheyland died after an alleged DUI driver struck and killed her during a family walk in Carlsbad. FOX 5 SAN DIEGO<\/p>\n

\u201cHer family was her entire world, and this devastating loss has left everyone who loved her heartbroken.\u201d<\/p>\n

A candlelight vigil was held Thursday at Tamarack Beach, where thousands showed up to remember Wheyland, Fox 5 reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The deadly crash has also fueled frustration among neighbors who told NBC 7<\/a> they have seen several crashes along the roadway, including fatal crashes, with each loss devastating the community.<\/p>\n

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