Driver fled after vehicle hit the Shafter man while he walked south of East Norris Street
April 01, 2026 | Oildale, CA
A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 39-year-old Urbano Murillo Jr. from Shafter in Oildale, as reported by authorities. The collision unfolded early on April 1 along Manor Street, south of East Norris Street.
Urbano Murillo Jr., 39, died after he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene on Manor Street south of East Norris Street in Oildale, Kern County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol detailed that an unidentified vehicle heading southbound on Manor Street struck Murillo Jr., who was walking in an unknown direction. The force of the impact propelled him onto the west shoulder, resulting in severe injuries that led to his pronouncement dead at the scene.
- Victim: Urbano Murillo Jr., 39, of Shafter
- Location: Manor Street, south of East Norris Street, Oildale, CA
- Time: Just before 6:50 a.m. on April 1
- Vehicle: Unknown southbound vehicle
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead on site; driver fled the scene
- Investigating Agency: California Highway Patrol
It remains unknown if impairment from alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen?
Hit-and-run collisions, particularly those involving pedestrians, often stem from factors like driver negligence, speeding, or fear of legal repercussions. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 65 percent of fatalities in such crashes involve pedestrians or bicyclists.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian/Bicyclist Fatalities in Hit-and-Runs |
65% |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Deaths |
Over 7,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Hit-and-Run Incidents Reported Yearly |
Approximately 2,000 fatal cases |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
These figures underscore the urgent need for thorough investigations to hold responsible parties accountable.
Anyone with details about this crash is encouraged to contact the CHP Bakersfield Area at (661) 396-6600.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrian accidents, national legal analyst Candice Bond emphasizes the critical role of dedicated resources.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Bond further notes that an attorney can meticulously assess contributing factors, engage expert witnesses, identify crash witnesses, and evaluate insurance options.
- Investigation Essentials: Expert analysis to establish negligence without delay.
- Driver Responsibility: Constant vigilance required to prevent pedestrian harm.
- Resource Utilization: Hiring specialists to build a strong case.
Regarding potential claims, Of Counsel Stefano Formica at Bond Legal highlights support for affected families.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Families may pursue wrongful death claims for damages including loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Claim Eligibility: Pending probe results, compensation for profound losses.
- Legal Support: Ongoing updates and rights protection throughout the process.
- Emotional Impact: Acknowledgment of grief in recovery efforts.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
For transparency, view our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review guarantee on all reports.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).