14-Year-Old Boy Hit Twice, Killed in Ventura

Two drivers hit a 14-year-old boy and took off Friday morning in Ventura, killing the teen who had been mourning his sister's death. 

The teen, identified as Jonathan Hernandez by his family, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Police said they responded to the crash after midnight near Telegraph Road and Saticoy Avenue where they found him lying on the road.

Investigators said Jonathan was struck by a white tow truck that fled the scene after impact, as seen in unreleased surveillance footage from a nearby lemon orchard. Jonathan was then struck by a second vehicle, a silver SUV, that was also seen fleeing from the scene.

"He was a typical 14-year-old boy. He did not deserve to be left dying on the street," his mother, Yvette Hernandez, said.

Jonathan, a freshman at Buena High School, had lost his sister to Leukemia in October.

Jonathan's mother said he was saddened by the fact that his sister's 18th birthday would have been on Thursday. He left the home to ride his bike and clear his head, she said.  

"He was a good young man who was devastated over his sister passing away and it was fresh in his mind," Samuel Howard, the family's pastor, said.

Jonathan's girlfriend, Breanne Cruz, has been visiting the memorial site every day since the crash. She said he had told her he loved her last year.

"I just felt the same way — I couldn't not love him," Cruz said. "He was such a great person."

Jonathan's sister said she just wants the people responsible to turn themselves in.

"Obviously we're grieving our brother's loss, but we're also still grieving our sister's loss," Cynthia Ramirez said. "This is way harder. Somebody should have stopped, regardless of if he died on impact."

Investigators are still looking for the two drivers, and are hoping anyone with information will reach out to the Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 339-4323. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. 

Jonathan's mother started a GoFundMe site to help the family with his burial.