Suspect in hit-and-run case to return to court, advance with court proceedings this week

The suspect in a hit-and-run collision that killed a Yucca Valley teenager returns to court this week, with two hearings scheduled to advance the case. Troy Reynolds is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday for a Pre-Preliminary Hearing and again on Thursday for a Preliminary Hearing. During the latter, the prosecution will present its evidence and witnesses to Judge Erin Alexander in an attempt to establish probable cause. Judge Alexander will then determine whether the case has merit to proceed to trial. 

Troy Reynolds is accused of striking sixteen-year-old Joshua Barreras with a vehicle and fleeing the scene on the evening of January 26, 2024. Sheriff’s deputies found Barreras lying unresponsive on the center median of Twentynine Palms Highway near the intersection of Avalon Avenue; he was pronounced deceased at the Hi-Desert Medical Center that night. Deputies identified Reynolds as the suspect following a four-week investigation; he turned himself into the Joshua Tree Courthouse last February and entered a plea of “Not Guilty.” The case has been continued nine times since then without resolution between the prosecution and defense; at the latest Early Disposition Hearing on July 11, Judge Sarah Oliver expressed that the Court wanted the case to proceed.

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