Troy Reynolds, the suspect in a hit-and-run that killed a Yucca Valley teenager, returned to court for an Early Disposition Hearing yesterday morning.
Reynolds is accused of striking 16 year-old Joshua Barreras with a truck and fleeing the scene on the evening of January 26, 2024. Sheriff’s deputies found the teenager lying unresponsive on the center median of Twentynine Palms Highway, near the intersection with Avalon Avenue; he was pronounced deceased at the Hi-Desert Medical Center that night. A four-week investigation resulted with the Sheriff’s Department identifying Reynolds as the primary suspect; he turned himself in at the Joshua Tree Courthouse last February and entered a “Not Guilty” plea.
Attorney Ronald Hedding was relieved as counsel for the defense; Public Defender James Rogan was retained and requested another continuation of the Early Disposition Hearing for May 29. Judge Sarah Oliver granted the request, marking the eighth time the hearing has been continued.
Judge Oliver confirmed with District Attorney Jason Gueltzow that there have been communications with the victim’s family and all witnesses about the advancement of the case.
Troy Reynolds is charged with Felony Hit and Run Resulting in Permanent Injury or Death; he is currently out on $500,000 bail.
