Troy Reynolds entered a “Not Guilty” plea in the suspected hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of Yucca Valley teenager Joshua Barreras. At 7:15PM last night, Reynolds was released on $500,000 bail – a sharp increase from the $75,000 bail that was suggested by prosecution.
Reynolds is the primary suspect in the hit-and-run that occurred on January 26 on Twentynine Palms Highway near Avalon Avenue. The 16 year-old Yucca Valley teen was found unresponsive in the center median of highway and was pronounced dead at Hi-Desert Medical Center later that night.
During Tuesday morning’s arraignment – Judge Sara E.Oliver addressed the packed courtroom – acknowledging that the case had drawn extra attention as friends and family members of both parties were in attendance. She asked everyone to not interrupt the proceedings and protect the rights of the victim and the suspect.
The courtroom remained calm as Judge Oliver described the suspect’s behavior following the alleged hit-and-run. She cited the fact that Reynolds allegedly left the scene where Joshua Barreras was struck, leaving the teen in the road. The Judge also says that Reynolds did not call 911 or any emergency services, and that the truck that Reynolds was driving when he allegedly struck the victim was found at a body shop an hour away in another county.
She also stated that Reynolds did not come forward until the Sheriff’s office approached him with evidence. Judge Oliver called his behavior a concern for the court and described Reynolds as a flight risk. Along with the half-million dollar bail, Reynolds is also required to wear a GPS ankle monitor and will not be allowed to operate any motorized vehicles.
Reynolds was cuffed by the court bailiffs, and did not speak to the judge or court before being booked into custody.
Immediately following the arraignment, a disruption occurred outside the courtroom between the family and friends of both the victim and the suspect. Heated words turned to a brief physical altercation that eventually moved to outside of the building, where law enforcement spoke with both parties for nearly an hour.
As tempers cooled, family and friends of Josh remained outside holding photos and sharing stories about the beloved and missed 16 year-old.
Autumn, Joshua Barreras Mother: “He was the best kid in the whole wide world, happy, you know.. he didn’t deserve that. He didn’t.”
She said that the arraignment yesterday morning has brought some small comfort to the family.
Autumn, Joshua Barreras Mother: “A little bit of relief.. a little bit.. that he’s in jail. Because he (Reynolds) didn’t need to get away with that. That’s not right. If he would have stopped, he might have been alive.”
Family and friends of Joshua say they will be holding a vigil for the Yucca Valley teen, possible as early as this weekend. Z107.7 will share the details as soon as we receive them.
Troy Reynolds was arrested for felony hit and run resulting in permanent injury or death. He’s currently out on 500,000 dollars bail, and the next scheduled court date is on April 16th.
Previously Reported:
