Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed University of Memphis Student

Shelby County, TN. — Today, Julio Hernandez, pleaded guilty in Shelby County Criminal Court to vehicular homicide in connection with the July 25, 2023, hit-and-run death of Ava Christopher, a University of Memphis student.

According to court records and police reports, Christopher was struck and killed at the intersection of Cooper Street and Central Avenue when Hernandez allegedly ran a red light in a stolen Dodge Charger and collided with her vehicle. Video evidence and witness testimony indicated the driver and a passenger left the scene immediately following the crash. Christopher later died at a hospital from her injuries.

Hernandez was arrested nearly four months after the incident. He was initially indicted in early 2025 on several additional charges that included reckless vehicular homicide, driving without a license, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2026.