Teen hit, killed by car in Santa Maria identified

Santa Maria police have released the identity of the 15-year-old girl who died when a car hit her over the weekend in Santa Maria.

Leticia Hernandez was walking through the intersection of Miller Street and Newlove Drive with her 13-year-old brother Saturday night when she was struck by a car and killed.

A memorial has been set up at that intersection for the teenage girl. Flowers, candles and a note sending condolences to the family sit beside a light post.

People who live in the area want something done at the intersection to make it safe for pedestrians.

“I never even cross the street there because there’s always, cars take forever to stop. I usually go to the nearest light or I avoid that anyways. And there’s always accidents that happen here,” said Santa Maria resident Luz Mendoza.

The person that police say hit Hernandez did not flee the scene.

The Santa Maria Police Department is still investigating the collision and anyone with information is asked to call them.

There is a cross walk at the intersection, however, people who live in this area say it is not enough to cross safely.

The speed limit on Miller Street is 40 miles per hour.