Hearing for fatal Yucca Valley hit-and-run delayed for 9th time, suspect deemed “not a flight risk”

Troy Reynolds, the suspect in a hit-and-run that killed Yucca Valley teenager Joshua Barreras, returned to Court for an Early Disposition Hearing yesterday morning. Reynolds was identified by the Sheriff’s Department as the primary suspect following a four-week investigation; he turned himself in at the Joshua Tree Courthouse last February, entering a plea of “Not Guilty.”

District Attorney Jason Gueltzow was present, and Special Appearance Attorney Jessica DeSalva appeared for James Rogan on behalf of the defense. Judge Sarah Oliver considered a memorandum from Probation concerning Reynolds’ GPS monitor. As the department was paying for the monitor, it requested to either remove the device or transfer the cost to the Bond Agent. Judge Oliver noted that it was the Court’s motion that ordered the device due to concerns about flight risk and that Reynolds had worn the monitor for over a year and attended all court hearings on time. She granted the request to remove the monitor but noted that the $500,000 bond would remain in place, as would the orders that Reynolds not operate a motor vehicle or leave San Bernardino County without court permission.

The attorneys maintained they were working towards a resolution for the case and requested another continuation of the Early Disposition Hearing for July 11. Judge Oliver granted the request and confirmed with Attorney Gueltzow that the victim’s family had been apprised on the need for a continuance.

Troy Reynolds is charged with Felony Hit and Run Resulting in Permanent Injury or Death; he is currently out on $500,000 bail.