Man who killed Modesto woman by driving over her tent convicted of first-degree murder
A Merced man who killed a homeless woman by running over her with a car while she was in her tent was convicted Tuesday of first-degree murder, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
Cruz Diaz, 42, is facing life in prison for running over Maria Olvera, 61, six times after an altercation with her 30-year-old son on June 23, 2021. Diaz took a plea deal with the prosecution shortly before his trial began.
“We are happy with the plea agreement. Obviously, we are devastated for the victim. But we feel justice has been served in this case,” said DA’s Office spokesman Wendell Emerson.
What the argument was between Diaz and the woman’s son could not be determined, The Modesto Bee previously reported. But Diaz responded by getting inside a gold sedan and driving over a tent that was in an alley behind A&M Market on Maze Boulevard and Martin Luther King Drive. Both Olvera her son were in the tent when Diaz did this.
“After the altercation, Diaz returned to his car and drove to the victim’s tent. Diaz then drove over the tent occupied by the victim and her son,” read the DA’s release. “Diaz then left but returned moments later to the area where the injured victim was lying on the ground. Diaz then ran over the victim with his car six times. The victim’s son was able to run out of the alley and seek help from bystanders.”
The Modesto Police Department was first to arrive at the scene and attempted CPR on Olvera. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Diaz was arrested after his car was spotted by an MPD cadet later in the day based on a description of the sedan.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief DA Dannica Molina and Deputy DA Angela Russell. MPD investigated the murder.
Diaz is scheduled to be sentenced April 30.
This story was originally published March 28, 2024 at 1:03 PM.
