VISTA — The man accused of driving the car that killed Carlsbad mother Vanessa Wheyland had his case continued until January during a readiness hearing Tuesday morning at the Vista Courthouse.
Fernando Saldana, 26, of Escondido, faces charges stemming from the Sept. 15 collision that killed Wheyland, 45, as she was crossing Carlsbad Boulevard with her husband and 12-year-old son. She was taken to Sharp Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, where she was pronounced dead after doctors were unable to save her.
At his Sept. 18 arraignment, Saldana pleaded not guilty to murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury or death and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death. He has a previous DUI conviction.
Judge Richard Monroy continued the case to Jan. 11. Saldana remains in custody without bail.
On Sept. 23, Carlsbad police arrested Catalina Orjuela Rivera, 23, on suspicion of helping Saldana hide evidence of his involvement in the collision.
