Nathan A. Sanchez Killed, Carlos A. Hernandez-Pena Injured in DUI Crash on Roza Hill Drive [Yakima, WA]

Nathan A. Sanchez Dead, Oscar Padilla Jr. Arrested After DUI Crash on Roza Hill Drive in Yakima

Yakima, WA (November 1, 2024) – On Halloween night, 18-year-old Oscar Padilla Jr. from Yakima was arrested and is now held in Yakima County Jail after a rollover crash in Terrace Heights that left one person dead and another injured.

 Padilla faces charges of vehicular homicide after the incident on Roza Hill Drive.

Around 7:25 p.m., sheriff’s deputies and paramedics responded to reports of a rollover accident on the 9000 block of Roza Hill Drive, east of the Terrace Heights Landfill. A

ccording to the probable cause affidavit, Padilla was driving a 1988 GMC pickup truck, lost control while trying to make a turn, and rolled the truck 40 feet down an embankment.

Two passengers, Nathan A. Sanchez, 18, and Carlos A. Hernandez-Pena, 19, both of Yakima, were ejected from the vehicle. Emergency responders transported both men to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital. 

Tragically, Sanchez succumbed to his injuries, while Hernandez-Pena sustained a broken leg and other injuries. An autopsy confirmed that Sanchez died from internal bleeding caused by the crash.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover Sanchez’s funeral expenses, describing him as a “bright, kind-hearted young man” who made a lasting impact on those who knew him.

At the scene, deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol from Padilla, who failed a field sobriety test. A preliminary breath test indicated a blood-alcohol level of 0.206, over twice the legal limit for adults over 21, and ten times the limit for a minor. 

Washington State Patrol troopers obtained a search warrant to collect blood samples for further analysis.

During Padilla’s preliminary hearing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Barrett requested a $50,000 bail, citing the danger Padilla’s alleged intoxicated driving posed to the community. “Driving with that level of intoxication puts everyone at risk,” Barrett stated, highlighting the potential for fatalities.

Defense attorney Melissa Derry argued for Padilla’s release under pretrial supervision, emphasizing his strong community ties, supportive family presence, and cooperative behavior with investigators. 

She highlighted Padilla’s positive influence in his community and commitment to completing his high-school diploma.

However, Yakima County Superior Court Judge Kevin Naught denied Padilla’s release, stating that Padilla’s actions reflected “poor choices” and that the vehicle had become a “weapon” in this situation. 

Judge Naught set Padilla’s bail at $20,000, balancing concerns for community safety with his cooperation and family support.

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Sweet Lawyers extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Nathan A. Sanchez. May the bereaved find solace and strength in this extremely trying time.

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