San Mateo County Jail Inmate Death: Man Convicted In Fatal Street Race Identified

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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The Fatal Street Race and Subsequent Death

On the evening of July 14th, 2023, a high-speed street race took place on Highway 101 near Redwood City, San Mateo County. Two vehicles, a black Dodge Charger driven by Ricardo Hernandez and a blue Subaru WRX driven by Jack Miller, were engaged in what witnesses described as reckless competition. The race reached speeds exceeding 100 mph.

• Location: Highway 101, near Redwood City, San Mateo County.
• Date and Time: July 14th, 2023, approximately 10:30 PM.
• Vehicles Involved: A black Dodge Charger (Hernandez) and a blue Subaru WRX (Miller).

The race ended tragically when Miller lost control of his Subaru, resulting in a violent collision with a concrete barrier. The impact caused severe injuries to Miller.

• Injuries: Miller sustained multiple critical injuries, including severe head trauma, internal bleeding, and multiple fractures. Paramedics rushed him to San Mateo Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Witnesses at the scene provided crucial testimony, corroborating the account of a street race. Law enforcement collected evidence from the accident scene, including tire marks, vehicle debris, and witness statements. These elements played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation.

Investigation and Arrest

Following the accident, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the San Mateo Police Department launched a joint investigation into the fatal incident. The investigation involved:

• Witness Interviews: Extensive interviews with witnesses who observed the street race and the subsequent accident.
• Accident Reconstruction: A detailed reconstruction of the accident scene to determine the speed and trajectory of the vehicles.
• Forensic Evidence: Analysis of vehicle data recorders (black boxes) from both vehicles provided critical data on speed and acceleration.

This comprehensive investigation quickly led to the identification of Ricardo Hernandez as the driver of the Dodge Charger, and he was subsequently arrested on July 18th, 2023, on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

Legal Proceedings and Conviction

Hernandez was charged with vehicular manslaughter, a felony offense. He initially pleaded not guilty, but after reviewing the overwhelming evidence, including witness testimonies, accident reconstruction reports, and the vehicle data recorder information, Hernandez entered a guilty plea.

• Charges: Vehicular manslaughter.
• Plea: Guilty plea.

On December 5th, 2023, Hernandez was sentenced to eight years in San Mateo County Jail, followed by five years of probation. He was also ordered to pay significant restitution to the Miller family.

Community Impact and Aftermath

The death of Jack Miller and the subsequent conviction of Ricardo Hernandez have deeply impacted the San Mateo County community. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of street racing and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. A memorial fund has been established in Miller's name to support his family, and local organizations are working to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the life-altering consequences of street racing.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Jack Miller, an inmate at San Mateo County Jail due to injuries sustained in a fatal street race, underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving and illegal street racing. The conviction of Ricardo Hernandez highlights the serious legal ramifications associated with such behavior. This case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the urgent need to combat the dangerous practice of street racing in San Mateo County. We urge everyone to report any instances of street racing to the authorities. Let's work together to prevent future San Mateo County street racing fatalities and promote safer roads for our community. Contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office or your local police department to report any suspicious activity. Remember, preventing fatal street racing incidents is a shared responsibility.