Man Faces Homicide Charges Following Fatal Incident Involving Girlfriend
A tragic vehicle incident in South Carolina has led to impending criminal homicide charges against an 18-year-old man, Joseph Garcia, following the death of his girlfriend, Rose Hernandez. Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher confirmed the charges are set to be filed next week.
Joseph Garcia, from Sumter, South Carolina, is already facing aggravated assault charges after the death of Rose Hernandez, who was also 18 and resided at 1131 W. Locust St. The unfortunate event occurred when Hernandez attempted to enter Garcia’s vehicle, which led to her fatal injury as he drove away on Monday afternoon on Roundwoods Place, an alley near her residence.
Dispute Over Leaving Together
Police reports detail that the couple engaged in an argument on Monday afternoon. Detectives Michael Schultz and Jill Foley stated in an affidavit that the dispute arose because Hernandez wished to depart with Garcia, but his black 2014 Chevrolet Camaro did not have sufficient space.
After returning briefly to her home, Hernandez followed Garcia back outside as he attempted to leave. According to the affidavit, Garcia claimed that as he accelerated, Hernandez tried to grab the passenger door. Garcia then reportedly stopped at the alley’s end, at which point Hernandez collided with another vehicle.
Garcia’s Actions Post-Incident
Following the incident, Garcia reportedly observed Hernandez on the ground and decided to drive around the block before returning. Upon returning, he lifted Hernandez from the road and placed her in his vehicle. The affidavit notes that Garcia entered Hernandez’s home to inform her family, falsely claiming she had fallen from the car.
Physical Evidence and Investigation
Police responding to the scene around 3:40 p.m. discovered Hernandez with severe head and facial injuries, consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Detectives noted significant blood on the pavement and tire marks on her clothing. Garcia was also found with blood on his person and on his car, which displayed damage to its front bumper.
Eyewitness Video
Surveillance footage captured a physical confrontation between Garcia and Hernandez near the vehicle, with Hernandez appearing to try to reach the passenger door as Garcia’s car sped away. The video also showed Garcia attempting to lift Hernandez and transport her back to the car.
An autopsy conducted the following day revealed that Hernandez succumbed to blunt head trauma, according to County Coroner Tim Rowland. The manner of death has yet to be determined.
Joseph Garcia remains in custody at Lackawanna County Prison without the possibility of bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 12, coinciding with his 19th birthday.
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