Fatal hit-and-run suspects caught

FRESNO – Police announced Wednesday that they arrested two men they believe were responsible for the hit-and-run death of a Fresno man earlier this year.

Curtis Travis, 33, and Stephen Stowers, both 22, of Fresno, charged with murder and felony hit-and-run for killing 50-year-old Anthony Ruvalcaba.

Curtis Travis, 33, and Stephen Stowers, 22, both of Fresno, were taken into custody and charged with murder and felony hit-and-run for the death of 50-year-old Anthony Ruvalcaba. They’ve also been charged with robbery.

“We know the solving of this case charging with murder is not enough against them,” said police Chief Jerry Dyer. He said that he hopes arresting the suspects has provided some sort of justice for the family of Ruvalcaba.

The fatal hit-and-run happened on Jan. 5. The two suspects were at a friend’s apartment at 4111 N. Blythe Ave. around 1 a.m. when they proceeded to rob another apartment at the complex. The suspects forced their way into the other apartment and stole a laptop, two cell phones, keys to the resident’s pickup and a small amount of cash, Dyer said.

The suspects stole the truck, a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado, and sped off on Ashlan Avenue. After running several red lights, driver Travis slammed into a car driven by Ruvalcaba, killing him instantly.

Tips and DNA evidence at the scene led to the arrests of Travis and Stowers, Dyer said. Both men are gang members and have extensive criminal records.

“My husband was killed for no reason,” said Ruvalcaba’s wife, Isabel Ruvalcaba. “He was just going home for work.”

Isabel Ruvalcaba said she is grateful for the hard work of the Fresno Police Department in capturing her husband’s killers.

“(I’m) thanking them from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “I appreciate it so much.”