Man Arrested in Oakland for Fatal Hit-and-Run of Grandmother

Oakland PD

As the family of 73-year-old Santu Maya grieves for the grandmother tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident in East Oakland on June 27^th this year, a remarkable break in the case has come to light. Convicted car thief Josue Ortega, 28, has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run, according to a tweet from Henry Lee KTVU.

UPDATE: I’ve learned convicted car thief Josue Ortega, 28, arrested by @oaklandpoliceca, accused of leaving the scene in Mercedes after hitting & killing Santu Maya, 73, at Foothill & Vicksburg. Damaged car found in San Pablo. Ortega has pending @AlamedaCountyDA shooting case pic.twitter.com/DNedgFs3Rp
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 12, 2023

Ortega allegedly fled the scene in a Mercedes, which was later found damaged in San Pablo. The 28-year-old also has a pending case with the Alameda County District Attorney's Office regarding a shooting case, adding to his existing criminal history. Santu Maya's family has been pleading for justice and requesting the public's help in finding the hit-and-run driver, as reported by Hoodline.

The emotional impact of the incident is profound. Santu Maya was on a daily walk with her daughter, Sanjoo Verma, and granddaughter, Arpitha Verma, only a few blocks away from their home, when she was struck by the speeding black Mercedes sedan at the Foothill & Vicksburg intersection. Surveillance footage from the scene shows the victim trying to catch up with her family before being hit by the car and left helpless on the ground. The driver then sped away, setting off a widespread search for the individual responsible.

In the days following the tragic event, Oakland police released images of a possible suspect and put out a call for additional information to bring the hit-and-run driver to justice. Sanjoo Verma, the grieving daughter, beseeched anyone with information to come forward, stating to KTVU News, “It’s really painful, so please help me make justice for my mom. I want that.” The nightmare for the family unfolded shortly after Santu Maya arrived in the United States, with her loved ones planning to welcome her into their new life together.

The arrest of Josue Ortega brings hope for a resolution and justice for Santu Maya's family, who have been left devastated by the loss of their beloved matriarch.