Alejandro Hernandez : Driver in 2017 North Lubbock hit-and-run crash sentenced to 8 years

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Lubbock hit-and-run crash sentencing
2. North Lubbock driver sentenced 8 years

A 47-year-old man, identified by his family as the driver in a fatal hit-and-run seven years ago in northwest Lubbock, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty. Reuben Castillo admitted to striking and killing 24-year-old Alejandro Hernandez in 2017. The victim, a father of six, died at the scene. The investigation remained unsolved for five years until Castillo was identified in 2022. His family informed the police after he confessed to them. Hernandez’s widow, Genesis Campbell, offered forgiveness during the plea hearing. Castillo nodded along as she expressed her forgiveness, concluding with a plea for God’s mercy.

Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Northwest Lubbock

A 47-year-old man, Reuben Castillo, was sentenced to eight years in prison this week after pleading guilty to a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred seven years ago in northwest Lubbock. The incident took place on March 24, 2017, in the 500 block of Slide Road, where 24-year-old Alejandro Hernandez lost his life after being struck by a Dodge vehicle driven by Castillo.

Castillo, who has been in custody at the Lubbock County Detention Center since October 11, 2022, appeared via video conference from the jail to enter his guilty plea. He admitted to a count of failure to stop and render aid involving a death, a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison.

Details of the Tragic Incident

On the night of the crash, Hernandez was crossing the road when he was hit by Castillo’s vehicle. Despite being rushed to the University Medical Center, Hernandez succumbed to his injuries. The scene of the accident revealed broken vehicle pieces that indicated the involvement of a Dodge Durango or Dakota with significant damage to the driver-side mirror and headlamp.

An eyewitness at the scene recounted seeing the suspected driver standing next to Hernandez without offering any assistance. When the witness approached to check on Hernandez’s condition, the suspected driver, identified as Castillo, got back into his vehicle, which showed front-end damage, and drove away without responding to the witness or offering help.

Breakthrough in the Investigation

The investigation into Hernandez’s death remained unsolved for five years due to limited leads. It wasn’t until 2022 that Castillo was identified as the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. His family, who had moved to San Antonio following the incident, informed the authorities that Castillo had confessed to them about the tragic accident.

In a surprising turn of events, investigators located the vehicle Castillo drove during the crash in Dallas. The vehicle had undergone repairs, including a new bumper and side view mirrors, consistent with the parts left at the scene in 2017. Subsequently, Castillo was arrested in October 2022 after a grand jury indictment on the second-degree felony charge.

Victim’s Widow Offers Forgiveness

During the plea hearing, Hernandez’s widow, Genesis Campbell, expressed forgiveness towards Castillo, despite the pain and loss caused by the hit-and-run. Campbell tearfully addressed Castillo, stating, “I forgive you, and may God have mercy on your soul.” Castillo, visibly moved by Campbell’s words, nodded in acknowledgment as she delivered her victim impact statement.

The sentencing of Castillo to eight years in prison serves as a bittersweet moment for the families involved, offering a semblance of closure in the wake of a tragic incident that took the life of Alejandro Hernandez. As the legal proceedings conclude, both families are left to grapple with the aftermath of the hit-and-run crash that changed their lives forever.