Clovis man’s misdemeanor charge elevated to felony in fatal Fresno cyclist crash

The tragic story of Adela Luisa Santana, a college instructor, wife, and mother of five, has captured the attention of many in the Fresno community. The news of her untimely death in a cycling accident on Watts Valley Road in 2022 has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

Initially, the driver, Johnson Chang, was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. However, after the discovery of new evidence, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has elevated the charge to a felony of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. This change in charges has brought a sense of relief to Santana’s family and friends, who have been seeking accountability for her death.

The new felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to six years in prison for Chang if convicted on all charges. This development has shed light on the importance of thorough investigations and the pursuit of justice in cases of reckless driving that result in tragic consequences.

A civil lawsuit filed by Santana’s family alleges that Chang, along with four other drivers in sports cars, were speeding and racing on Watts Valley Road at the time of the accident. The lawsuit claims that the drivers were aware of the risks involved in their actions but chose to ignore them, leading to Santana’s death.

In court, Santana’s friends, who were with her on the fateful ride, sat in to ensure that Chang saw them and understood the impact of his actions. They emphasized that Santana’s death was not just an accident but a result of reckless and unsafe driving.

The attorney representing Santana’s family expressed satisfaction with the DA’s decision to elevate the charges, stating that it aligns with their belief of what truly happened on that tragic day.

As the case continues to unfold, the Fresno community remains vigilant in seeking justice for Adela Luisa Santana and holding accountable those responsible for her untimely death. The pursuit of justice in cases like these serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving.