A 26-year-old Escondido man with a prior DUI conviction has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly striking and killing a Carlsbad mother of three in a hit-and-run Tuesday night, then fleeing the scene.
Fernando Saldana was arrested after Vanessa Wheyland was struck near Redwood Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard, close to Tamarack Beach. Police say Saldana ran after the crash. Officers tracked him down about a mile away using evidence left behind, tips from the community, and automated license plate readers.
Wheyland was found in the roadway with major injuries just before 8 p.m., during what friends say was a family walk. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she died.
Because Saldana already had a prior DUI conviction, California law allowed prosecutors to file second-degree murder charges against him under the state’s “Watson Murder” doctrine, which treats a repeat drunk-driving death as murder rather than a lesser charge. He also faces charges of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death, driving under the influence causing injury or death, and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Saldana is booked into the Vista Detention Facility and is scheduled to appear before a judge Friday. Carlsbad Police have released no information about his citizenship status.
Wheyland was a graduate of San Diego State University and served as CEO of Wheyland Electric, an electrical contracting company serving Carlsbad and the greater San Diego area.
A GoFundMe organized by Nicole Check for Wheyland’s family describes the toll on those she left behind.
“Last night, Vanessa was tragically struck and killed by a driver, leaving behind her loving husband and three children.”
“Vanessa was a devoted wife, an incredible mother, and a cherished friend whose love and presence touched so many people.”
“Her family was her entire world, and this devastating loss has left everyone who loved her heartbroken.”
Neighbors near the crash site told NBC 7 they have witnessed repeated crashes along that stretch of road, including fatal ones, and say each loss has hit the community hard. One commenter reacting to the case online wrote, “So sad- CA needs tougher deterrents and stronger laws.”
A memorial has been set up for Wheyland at Tamarack Beach, where loved ones plan to hold a vigil Thursday night.
