Escondido, California, December 4, 2025
Hector Amador Balderas, 44, has pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run causing the death of 11-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz in Escondido. Following the incident on November 26, Balderas was arrested on November 29 after community tips aided the investigation. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted, while controversy arises regarding his immigration status as he had been deported four times previously. The local officials declined to honor an immigration detainer filed by ICE, sparking a public dispute.
Escondido, California
Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 11-Year-Old
ESCONDIDO, CA — Hector Amador Balderas, 44, has pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run causing death following the November 26 incident that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz. The arraignment took place on Wednesday, with bail set at $300,000. If convicted, Balderas faces up to four years in state prison.
Details of the Incident
On November 26, around 5 p.m., Aiden was struck by a vehicle while retrieving a soccer ball near the intersection of East Washington Avenue and Hickory Street. Witnesses reported that the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. Aiden was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thanksgiving morning.
Investigation and Arrest
Escondido police, aided by public tips, identified and arrested Balderas on November 29. The vehicle involved in the crash was also recovered. Police Chief Ken Plunkett expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance in resolving the case.
Immigration Status and Controversy
Federal officials revealed that Balderas had been deported from the United States four times prior to this incident. Following his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed an immigration detainer, requesting that local law enforcement notify them before releasing Balderas. However, California authorities declined to honor the detainer, citing state laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This decision led to a public dispute between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Governor Gavin Newsom, who refuted the allegations and emphasized California’s commitment to public safety and due process.
Background on Hit-and-Run Incidents in California
Hit-and-run incidents involving minors have been a concern in California. In March 2025, Zachary Bernal, 31, pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run resulting in death in connection with the death of 11-year-old José Gutiérrez in Atascadero. Bernal was sentenced to seven years in state prison in June 2025. These cases highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing traffic safety and accountability for such offenses in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Hector Amador Balderas facing?
Hector Amador Balderas is charged with felony hit-and-run causing death, facing up to four years in state prison if convicted.
What was the cause of Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz’s death?
Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while retrieving a soccer ball near his home in Escondido.
What is the controversy regarding Hector Amador Balderas’s immigration status?
Federal officials stated that Balderas had been deported four times before this incident. After his arrest, ICE filed an immigration detainer, but California authorities declined to honor it, citing state laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, leading to a public dispute between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Have there been similar incidents in California?
Yes, in March 2025, Zachary Bernal, 31, pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run resulting in death in connection with the death of 11-year-old José Gutiérrez in Atascadero. Bernal was sentenced to seven years in state prison in June 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Escondido, California |
| Victim | Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz, 11 |
| Suspect | Hector Amador Balderas, 44 |
| Charge | Felony hit-and-run causing death |
| Incident Date | November 26, 2025 |
| Arrest Date | November 29, 2025 |
| Bail Amount | $300,000 |
| Potential Sentence | Up to four years in state prison |
| Immigration Status | Deported four times prior to this incident |
| Community Involvement | Public tips aided in the arrest |
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