Modesto man convicted in 2021 hit-and-run that killed 18-month-old boy
A Modesto man has been convicted of felony hit-and-run causing death in a 2021 crash that killed an 18-month-old boy on Glenn Avenue, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
Santiago Martinez, 24, was found guilty by a jury of striking and killing Adan Yanez Valdovinos with his car on May 21, 2021, then fleeing the scene.
The crash occurred about 5:06 p.m. on Glenn Avenue east of Ustick Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The intersection is in an unincorporated area between Modesto and Ceres. Investigators said Adan had walked from the north shoulder into the roadway when a westbound 2021 Toyota sedan driven by Martinez hit him.
Martinez continued westbound without stopping, the CHP said. Witnesses followed him for about a mile before catching up and making contact. Prosecutors said a neighbor chased Martinez in his own car, forced him to return to the scene, and identified him as the driver.
Adan’s father immediately tried to render aid but was unable to save him, according to the DA’s Office.
Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21, 2025.
The California Highway Patrol and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
