A tragic turn of events has unfolded in the case of a fatal hit-and-run in San Jose, where initially, a bereaved roommate seeking justice has become the prime suspect. According to NBC Bay Area, Marianna Belmares, the roommate of the deceased, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run following the accident that killed 29-year-old Loren Badillo on McCoy Avenue last Saturday.
Crying frantically during an earlier plea for help, Belmares, who is now alleged to have been driving the vehicle, appealed to the public and neighbors to assist in locating what was then thought to be an unknown driver. According to NBC Bay Area, police suggest Badillo exited Belmares' Chevrolet Volt, resulting in significant trauma. Contrary to her public persona, law enforcement believes Belmares fled the scene before their arrival.
In an emotional interview before her arrest, Belmares had spoken lovingly of Badillo, saying, "He had a way of bringing light into every room." However, this portrayal starkly contrasts with current accusations against her. Tammie Conti, Badillo's mother, told the SF Chronicle, "I truly can’t believe that somebody has the lack of human decency to get on TV and say how much they love somebody, produce fake tears and yet this is the same person that could let someone lay on the side of the street while they drove away."
Neighbors expressed surprise over the new developments, with one recounting to NBC Bay Area that after asking for Ring camera video in hopes of identifying the driver responsible, they found Belmares to be distraught about her roommate's death. Friends and family are planning a vigil for tomorrow in memory of Badillo, who his mother described as a talented musician and someone who brought laughter and life wherever he went.
While the San Jose Police seek further information on the case, they encourage anyone with details to contact their Traffic Investigations Unit or to submit tips anonymously through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers. According to Hoodline, an active investigation is underway as detectives work to piece together the exact sequence of events leading to Badillo’s death, which continues to reverberate as both a personal loss and a public call for accountability in the community.
