Ex-Con Driver Kills Teen in Parlier Hit-and-Run

Parlier is in mourning following the fatal hit-and-run death of 15-year-old Juliani Moreno on Tuesday night. The suspect, Tiffany Mercado, 35, has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2013, with her most recent conviction in 2024 for robbery and assault. She was released from prison on January 2, having served less than two years of a six-year sentence.

Legal analysts question whether Mercado should have been released, suggesting her incarceration might have prevented the tragedy. The Fresno County District Attorney's Office has charged Mercado with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, reckless driving, assault with a deadly weapon, and driving without a license. If convicted, she could face up to 19 years in prison.

The community continues to grieve, with residents like Yesenia Melengez reporting that the crash has traumatized her children, making them fearful of everyday activities like going to the store. Surveillance video indicates Mercado was traveling at a high rate of speed, contributing to the extensive distance her vehicle traveled after the initial impact. Residents of Mendocino Avenue, where the crash occurred, have long complained about excessive speeding.