Victim's Identity Released in Alleged Hit and Run Homicide

By the edhat staff

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the victim who was struck and killed by a vehicle in the 800 block of East Mountain Road last week.

Blanca Aguilera, also known as Blanca Espinoza, was a 32-year-old woman from Oxnard. The Sheriff’s Office states she died after intentionally being struck by a vehicle around 5:30 a.m. on September 29, 2022.

Aguilera was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and died from her injuries two hours later.

Detectives believe this is not a random attack and are investigating it as a homicide believing that Aguilera was intentionally struck by the driver of the vehicle.

“The suspect remains outstanding and investigation is ongoing,” said Sheriff’s spokesperson Raquel Zick.

The suspect and vehicle description have not been released.

An online fundraiser through GoFundMe has been created by Aguilera’s friends and family to help cover funeral expenses and support her three children ages 8, 12, and 16.

“She worked long days and late nights to provide for her children,” the fundraiser states, explaining her husband passed away eight years ago due to cancer.

The fundraising page also states Aguilera was kidnapped by her ex while leaving work late at night and was found the next morning, although this has yet to be confirmed by investigators.

Donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/blanca-aguilera

September 29, 2022: Detectives Investigate Hit and Run Homicide