Search continues for driver who struck, killed toddler

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No new leads in Old Sonoma Road hit-and-run

Saturday, June 07, 2008

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

Child found dead on Old Sonoma Road, June 1

Driver sought in hit-and-run death of toddler, June 2

Mattea Faith Reynolds obituary

Napa police detectives are still searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed a toddler on Old Sonoma Road, near juvenile hall.

Early on May 31, Mattea Reynolds, 2, wandered away from the apartment she lives with her grandparents, mother and other relatives.

The child was found by a juvenile hall worker unconscious near the curb on Old Sonoma Road. She was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where she died.

A person told police she saw a 1980s four-door American-made sedan with chrome side trim driving east on Old Sonoma Road about the time Mattea was discovered alongside the curb. Detectives are also looking for a Hispanic woman who was walking to work and saw Mattea walking alone on Old Sonoma Road. The woman alerted an employee at juvenile hall.

Detectives are still investigating how the toddler got out of the apartment. Her grandfather said the front door was locked, but when they discovered Mattea was gone, the door was unlocked.

“We are very interested in talking to the woman who saw the child walking alone on Old Sonoma Road,” Napa police detective Todd Shulman.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Don Winegar at 258-7879.

4 comment(s)

Skip M. wrote on Jun 7, 2008 8:38 AM:

" So NPD is still investigating how Mattea could have gotten out of the house. Are you serious? I personally called and tried to suggest speaking to delivery people at specific companies. They would not take my call, but pushed me to voice mail. I suppose they figure I am some sort of kook. Just the same, what would it hurt to listen to my comments and possibly follow up. If it lead nowhere, at least that angle would have been eliminated. By now, the hit and run driver has had time to go to a junk yard and replace any body panels that may have been damaged in the incident. Any broken light lenses have most likely been replaces. Any evidence has been effectively disposed of. Great job NVPD. My Grandfather, one of your former Chiefs, is rolling over in his grave (that was the 3.9 a while back). "

MeganMcKenzie wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:42 PM:

" My tears blend with the family of sweet Mattea. I urge all drivers to slow down!

Beyond that if you know the person who was walking please help her to do the right thing and come forward to the police or to someone she trusts. This driver must be held accountable for the tragic death of Mattea Reynolds. "

newshound wrote on Jun 7, 2008 1:46 PM:

" I would hope the NPD would also look at cars up for sale on craigslist that are white with the silver trim. "

mytwocents wrote on Jun 7, 2008 3:11 PM:

" Take heart, SkipM: I am sure the PD is much further along than this article suggests. They are being closed-mouthed, which can be a good sign. "

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