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2 charged in Tehachapi hit and run, family...

Posted at 11:46 PM, May 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-25 02:46:29-04

It's been almost eight months since 14-year-old Leslie Balderrama was killed in a hit and run in Tehachapi.

The basketball standout was hit while walking home from a friend's house in October. She was later found dead near highway 202.

Isaac Macias and Ibrahim Gomes were arrested the morning after the accident but were released on bond. On Monday, they were formally charged and taken into custody. Gomes pleaded not guilty in court today.

In the months since Leslie’s death, the two men were often seen out in the community something that the family says was upsetting to the whole town.

Macias is facing three felonies - including vehicular manslaughter and DUI. Gomez is charged with a felony hit and run. The family says they understand why it took so long for the charges to be filed, because the D.A. would have to prove the men were intoxicated when the accident happened. 

Now the family and the community prepare for the trails.

The second suspect, Isaac Macias hasn't been arraigned, and is due in court next week.