Author: Andy Gillin Apr 26, 2025

In a tragic incident on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, a woman lost her life following a hit-and-run crash on Stockton Boulevard near Riza Avenue in Sacramento. The fatal collision, which occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m., has left the community in shock as authorities search for the driver who fled the scene.

Fatal Hit-and-Run on Stockton Boulevard Claims Woman's Life in Sacramento 1

Details of the Incident

According to the Sacramento Police Department, emergency response teams were dispatched to Stockton Boulevard near Riza Avenue after receiving reports of a collision involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, first responders found a woman lying in the roadway. Despite officers’ attempts to perform life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. This standard procedure ensures family members are properly informed before details become public.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the suspect or the vehicle involved in this fatal crash. Law enforcement officials remained at the scene well into Thursday night, collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.

Investigators are specifically looking for any vehicle parts left at the scene, reviewing traffic camera footage in the surrounding area, and canvassing nearby businesses for security camera recordings that might have captured the collision or the fleeing vehicle.

The Sacramento Police Department has established a dedicated tip line for this case and is urging community members who may have been in the area between 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Thursday to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents involve a driver who causes a collision and then leaves the scene without providing identification or rendering aid to injured parties. In California, fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense, especially when the incident results in injury or death.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must:

  • Stop immediately at the scene
  • Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
  • Exchange information with other involved parties
  • Report the accident to law enforcement

When a hit-and-run results in fatality, as in this tragic case, the driver may face felony charges with penalties including 2-4 years in state prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and a strike under California’s Three Strikes law.

Additionally, the driver could face separate charges for vehicular manslaughter or second-degree murder depending on the circumstances of the collision. The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of felony hit-and-run cases in California is three years, giving investigators substantial time to identify and apprehend the responsible party even if they initially evade detection.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns on Stockton Boulevard

This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety along Stockton Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Sacramento. The corridor has seen numerous accidents involving pedestrians over the years, raising questions about traffic control measures, crosswalk visibility, and street lighting in the area.

City data indicates that Stockton Boulevard has been identified as part of Sacramento’s “High Injury Network,” accounting for a disproportionate number of severe and fatal traffic incidents.

Community advocates have long pushed for infrastructure improvements including enhanced crosswalks with flashing beacons, reduced speed limits, protected pedestrian islands, and improved street lighting.

The Sacramento Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, has designated this stretch of Stockton Boulevard as a priority zone for safety improvements, though implementation has been gradual. This latest fatality may intensify calls for accelerated safety measures along this dangerous corridor.

Resources for Affected Families

For families affected by fatal hit-and-run accidents, several resources are available:

  • Victim advocacy services through the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office
  • Grief counseling services
  • Legal assistance for wrongful death claims
  • California Victim Compensation Program, which may help with funeral expenses

For families affected by fatal hit-and-run accidents, several resources are available in Sacramento County. The Victim-Witness Assistance Program through the District Attorney’s Office provides comprehensive support services, including crisis intervention, emergency assistance, and help navigating the criminal justice system.

Families may be eligible for financial assistance through the California Victim Compensation Program, which can cover funeral expenses up to $7,500, loss of income, and mental health counseling. Local organizations such as the Sacramento Crisis Response Team offer immediate emotional support following traumatic incidents, while specialized grief support groups connect families with others who have experienced similar losses.

Additionally, nonprofit organizations like Sacramento Street Medicine provide culturally sensitive outreach and support to unhoused individuals who may be disproportionately affected by pedestrian accidents. The Sacramento Police Department’s Victim Services Unit can help connect bereaved families with these resources during the difficult aftermath of a fatal collision.

How to Help

Anyone with information about this hit-and-run incident is urged to contact the Sacramento Police Department. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in identifying the driver responsible for this tragedy.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Sacramento Crime Stoppers, allowing witnesses to provide information without revealing their identity.

As this investigation continues, the Sacramento community mourns the loss of a life cut short in this senseless tragedy. The search for the driver responsible remains a top priority for local law enforcement, and updates will likely be provided as new information becomes available.

Hit-and-run accidents represent a legal violation and a moral failure to take responsibility for one’s actions. This case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when drivers flee the scene of an accident rather than stopping to render aid.

Hit-and-run Settlement Calculators

Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators are crucial tools for victims and their families to gain preliminary insight into potential compensation values. These calculators consider various factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

While no calculator can provide an exact settlement amount, given the unique circumstances of each case, these tools help victims understand the scope of their claims and prevent them from accepting inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies. 

However, it’s important to note that factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term impact on quality of life, and the defendant’s level of negligence can significantly affect the final settlement value. An experienced GJEL hit-and-run attorney  can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents.

Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts. Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery. 

Moving Forward

“The loss of a community member in this tragic hit-and-run is deeply heartbreaking. For those affected—whether witnesses, family members, or others injured in this incident—please know that you have legal rights that deserve protection during this difficult time. Preserving evidence is crucial in these cases, as is seeking proper medical care for any injuries, no matter how minor they might seem initially. While no legal action can undo the trauma you’ve experienced, holding responsible parties accountable can provide some measure of justice and help prevent similar tragedies in the future. Our team at GJEL is committed to supporting victims of hit-and-run accidents through compassionate, thorough legal representation when you’re ready to discuss your options.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney

Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery. Contact us today at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Richmond office for free legal advice.

Important Resources and Contact Information

For those affected by this tragic incident, the following official resources are available:

Sacramento Police Department

Sacramento Department of Transportation

Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office

If you witnessed the accident or have any information that might help identify the driver or vehicle involved, please contact the Sacramento Police Department immediately. Your information, no matter how small it might seem, could be crucial to bringing closure to the victim’s family.


Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.