FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — New details have come to light about a deadly Fresno County crash that killed a beloved Fresno State professor.
Cyclist Adela Santana was riding her bike with friends when prosecutors say Johnson Chang was behind the wheel of his sports car speeding along a foothill road when he crashed into her.
Prosecutor Rachel Baskin called several law enforcement witnesses to the stand, hoping to gather details that would paint the picture of Chang’s actions.
It started with California Highway Patrol Sergeant Nick Ranger, who photographed the aftermath.
“When I arrived on the scene I coordinated the responsibilities of the officers to make sure everything was being documented correctly, as a fatality had occurred,” Sergeant Ranger said.
Friends of the 51-year-old say Chang’s blue Acura crossed over the double-yellow line on Watts Valley Road near Sanger before hitting Santana head-on.
But as witnesses testified, none were able to place an exact number on how fast Chang was traveling triggering a tedious back and forth between both sides.
“You have no basis to estimate the speed of the vehicle depicted in exhibits 22-48 in connection with the incident,” asked defense attorney Roger Bonakdar. “I do not,” replied Ranger.
The discussion then shifted to Santana’s positioning in the road, a topic that could help the defense prove Chang may have never anticipated Santana in the roadway.
Using diagrams of the scene, CHP Officer Dustin Seroka testified that she was riding closer to the middle of the road.
“You believe that was approximately three feet into the southbound lane,” Baskin asked.
“Yes ma’am,” Seroka answered.
Action News will continue to monitor this story and issue an update when the judge decides whether or not Change will stand trial.
