Man headed home from the bar told police he hit a ‘thing’ that turned out to be a beloved daycare worker and mother
A Minnesota man who admitted leaving the scene of a deadly crash that killed a beloved daycare worker and mother has been sentenced to jail, bringing a measure of closure to a case that shocked the local community. The victim, 40-year-old Leslie Anne Youngberg, was remembered by family, friends, and colleagues as a caring parent and dedicated childcare worker whose life revolved around helping others.
Deadly Crash Occurred During Early Morning Hours
Pedestrian Struck While Walking in Eagan
According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred around 2 a.m. on March 7 near the intersection of Cliff Road and Nichols Road in Eagan, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Youngberg was walking in the area when she was struck by a Honda CR-V driven by 59-year-old Rolando Odir Miranda Martinez.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Youngberg unresponsive. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators determined that the driver fled immediately after the collision instead of stopping to render aid or contact authorities.
Witness Said Vehicle Never Stopped
A witness who was walking with Youngberg at the time of the crash told investigators that the vehicle never stopped after striking her. The witness reported that he and Youngberg were crossing Cliff Road while traveling north on Nichols Road. Youngberg was walking approximately 20 feet ahead of him when the eastbound SUV hit her.
The witness’s account became a crucial part of the investigation, helping authorities reconstruct the events that unfolded during the fatal incident.
Investigators Tracked Vehicle Using Debris and Surveillance Footage
Evidence Left at Scene Led Police to Suspect
Law enforcement officers launched an intensive investigation after the hit-and-run. Investigators collected vehicle parts that had broken off during the crash and reviewed surveillance footage from the area. Those efforts eventually led police to a white Honda CR-V that had sustained significant front-end damage.
The damaged SUV was located at Miranda Martinez’s residence later that same morning. Police found both the vehicle and the suspect at approximately 11:15 a.m. on the day of the crash.
Arrest Made After Suspect Entered Uber
Authorities were preparing to make contact with Miranda Martinez when they observed him leaving his residence in an Uber. Officers subsequently stopped the rideshare vehicle and arrested him without incident.
The arrest marked a major breakthrough in the investigation, less than a day after the fatal collision had occurred.
Suspect Claimed He Hit a “Thing”
Defendant Said Something Jumped Into the Road
According to investigators, Miranda Martinez made several statements after his arrest that became part of the criminal case against him. While seated in a police squad car, he reportedly made comments regarding a person being in the roadway.
During a formal interview with detectives, Miranda Martinez told authorities that he had been at a bar in Minneapolis before driving home. Although he acknowledged being at the establishment, he denied consuming alcohol.
The defendant claimed that he remembered a “thing” jumping into the roadway in front of his vehicle and striking the windshield. According to police, he said he continued driving home because he was frightened.
Driver Left Scene Instead of Reporting Crash
Investigators concluded that Miranda Martinez did not stop to check what he had struck, call emergency services, or report the collision. Instead, he drove away from the scene while Youngberg lay critically injured.
The decision to leave became the basis for the criminal charge that ultimately led to his conviction.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Defendant Admitted Leaving Scene of Fatal Collision
In April 2026, Miranda Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. The plea resolved the criminal case and spared the matter from going to trial.
The charge stemmed directly from his actions after the collision rather than from allegations of intentional harm. Prosecutors maintained that he failed in his legal obligation to stop and provide assistance after the crash.
Jail Sentence Imposed
A Dakota County judge sentenced Miranda Martinez to 180 days in jail. Court records indicated that he received credit for 97 days already served while in pretrial detention, significantly reducing the amount of time remaining on his sentence.
The sentence drew attention because it meant the defendant would avoid a lengthy prison term despite the tragic consequences of the crash.
Community Mourns Leslie Anne Youngberg
Dedicated Mother and Childcare Worker
Following Youngberg’s death, friends and loved ones shared memories of a woman known for her compassion and dedication to others. A fundraising campaign created to assist with funeral expenses described her as a devoted single mother whose life centered on caring for her 16-year-old son.
The fundraiser also highlighted her work at a local daycare, where she cared for young children and left a lasting impact on many families. Those who knew her described her as nurturing, kind, and deeply committed to helping others.
Lasting Impact on Family and Community
Supporters said Youngberg’s gentle nature extended beyond her professional life. She was known for her love of animals and her willingness to help people in need. Her death left a profound void for her family, friends, coworkers, and the many children and parents whose lives she touched through her work.
The tragedy remains a painful reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow when drivers fail to stop after a collision. For those who knew Leslie Anne Youngberg, the loss of a devoted mother and beloved daycare worker continues to be felt throughout the community.
