On October 23, 2020, we announced the tragic death of Namie Stewart (81) from Fairfield. Namie was struck by a vehicle with the driver fleeing the scene. Traffic Investigators worked through the evidence to figure out what happened, but came up with few leads.
On October 27, 2020 we sought assistance from the public and offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Rewards like this are made possible through funds from forfeited vehicles as authorized by the California Vehicle Code. As a result of this, a witness came forward and provided information to Traffic Investigators, reinvigorating the case.
Investigators followed these leads, pointing them to a suspect and suspect vehicle now in Texas. Working with deputies in El Paso, TX, they located the vehicle involved with damage consistent to the collision. The vehicle was seized as evidence and processed for further clues. Fairfield investigators conducted search warrants, gaining more evidence located in the suspect’s residence and electronic devices, further witness statements, and digital evidence retracing the steps of where the vehicle traveled prior to, and after the collision.
After 4 months of investigation, the Fairfield Traffic Unit Investigators made an arrest this afternoon. Araceli Marin (26) from Fairfield was arrested and booked into the county jail on an arrest warrant obtained and authorized by a Solano County Superior Court judge. The warrant covered charges to include hit and run resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter, concealing evidence and driving on a suspended license.
While we know this will not bring Namie back, we hope this development in the investigation brings some peace and closure to Namie’s loved ones.
