Family Attends Arraignment for Suspect in Fatal Hanford Hit-and-Run

The family of Ronald Torres filled a Kings County courtroom on Wednesday for the arraignment of the man arrested in the hit-and-run that killed him. Relatives described the hearing as another step toward justice for Torres, who was struck while on his morning walk in Hanford.

Nearly two dozen family members sat on one side of the courtroom as Bryan Gomez, 26, made his first appearance. A resident of Hanford, Gomez wore a yellow jumpsuit and was assisted by a Spanish-speaking interpreter.

Authorities say Torres was walking along Leland Way near 9 1/4 Avenue, close to Hamilton Elementary School, on Oct. 25 when a vehicle hit him. Gomez was arrested the following day.

Gomez faces one felony count of vehicular manslaughter, with an enhancement for fleeing the scene. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 11 years in prison.

Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker said her office reviewed the evidence provided by the police department and concluded the case was a felony hit-and-run. She added, however, "at this point in time, we don't have evidence to show that either drugs or alcohol was behind this particular collision."

Family members remembered Torres as a recent retiree who had worked as a canteen manager for the Department of Corrections. They said he rarely skipped his daily walks and took the greatest pride in being a grandfather. "His day didn't start right without that walk," said his son Simon Torres.

His grandchildren also paid tribute. Isaac Torres said he looked up to his grandfather and always wanted to be like him. Victor Andalon recalled that Torres "never, never missed a call, always picked up." Gabriella Andalon, his granddaughter, said, "I miss him. Just like everyone here."

Joseph Torres, the youngest son, said his idea of justice is prevention. "If this could prevent something from this happening to another family, that's what we want," he said.

Daniela Torres, Ronald's niece, offered a message to others facing similar loss. "This could have been your family member. This could have been any one of us," she said, calling the death a preventable tragedy that did not have to happen.

Gomez is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 30.