A recent tragic event in Carlsbad has concluded with a suspect under arrest facing multiple charges. On the night of September 9th, Karla Stephanie Leyva, a 23-year-old resident of Carlsbad, was struck and killed after parking her car along Las Palmas Drive. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office identified Leyva and reported that she died from blunt force injuries without any medical intervention possible.
As per the Hoodline reporting, Jose Manuel Zambrano Cruz, a 26-year-old from Carlsbad, was arrested following a hit-and-run incident that left Leyva deceased. After the collision, Cruz abandoned the scene but was later detained in the 6600 block of El Camino Real. Here, witnesses contacted 911 after the collision, reporting that a Volkswagen Jetta operated by Cruz had been speeding and struck Leyva alongside three parked cars.
Charges against Cruz include Felony Hit and Run, DUI Causing Injury or Death, and Vehicular Manslaughter. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. The City of Carlsbad Police Department used its official Facebook page to provide details about the crash, suggesting alcohol may have been a factor. They mentioned Cruz was driving eastbound on Las Palmas Drive when he struck Leyva and the other vehicles.
As the investigation is ongoing, the Carlsbad Police are seeking additional witnesses with any information relevant to the crash.
