Terra Bella girl killed in suspected DUI crash

A 12-year-old girl, Janessa Gonzalez, was killed Monday evening after being struck by a vehicle near Terra Bella Elementary School in Tulare County, California. The incident occurred around 5:37 p.m. as Gonzalez was attempting to cross Avenue 95 near Road 238.

Anthony Chavez-Valencia, a 22-year-old man from Porterville, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence. Investigators indicated that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the collision, though the investigation is ongoing. Gonzalez was transported to Sierra View Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.

Family members described Gonzalez as a resilient child who had overcome previous medical challenges. Her death occurred just nine days before her 13th birthday. Local residents have expressed concerns regarding vehicle speeds in the area near schools, calling for lower speed limits on Avenue 95.