At a news conference in El Paso on Wednesday morning, April 24, Isabella Hernandez and William Franzoy, represented by their attorney, shared about their son, Wyatt’s death in the crash.
On the morning of Sunday, Nov. 11, 2023, Hernandez and her son were traveling in a Nissan Altima south on Columbus Road when Garcia, in route to a burglary in progress in Columbus, struck their vehicle while Hernandez was turning east onto Voorhies Road. Garcia was running what is called “code” meaning he had his lights and siren on.
Luna County Manager Chris Brice told Deming Radio News that Garcia, who is a member of the AFSCME union, was put on administrative leave pending a preliminary investigation by the NMSP office but was later reinstated to full duty after being cleared administratively. Knowing that charges could be filed, the internal investigation was put on hold pending possible future action by NMSP. However, with charges filed by the NMSP, Garcia is once again on administrative leave pending criminal proceedings.
Garcia has been charged with two felony charges of homicide by vehicle and great bodily injury by vehicle, both charges include reckless driving. He will appear before Magistrate Judge Scott Chandler on Thursday May 16th in the afternoon.
Since the charges are of a felony nature, the case will be given to the 6th Judicial Court.