Full Breakdown
Fatal Police Pursuit in Pomona Claims Lives of Expectant Parents
4/4/2026, 12:30:50 PM
Incident Overview
On April 1, 2023, a tragic incident in Pomona, California, resulted in the deaths of 25-year-old Jennifer Loera Zarco and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Marc Anthony Trejo, when their vehicle was struck by a pickup truck driven by 31-year-old Marshall Judson, who was fleeing from police. The collision occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Garey Avenue and County Road, just minutes away from the couple's home. Zarco was eight months pregnant, with their son, Elliott, due to be born on April 20.
Sequence of Events
The police pursuit began when officers from the Pomona Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 400 block of East 10th Street. While officers were interviewing a victim, Judson returned to the scene, intentionally rammed a parked patrol vehicle, and fled, prompting a high-speed chase. The pursuit ended when Judson collided with the couple's sedan, resulting in their immediate deaths.
Charges Against the Suspect
Judson was arrested at the scene and faces multiple serious charges, including vehicular manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, driving under the influence, driving without a valid license, and felony evasion. Police discovered a firearm and firearm components in his vehicle, further complicating his legal situation.
Family Reactions and Community Impact
The sudden loss of Zarco and Trejo has left their families devastated. Trejo's father, Tony Trejo, expressed his heartbreak, stating, "It hits different when it's your own son... I don’t wish this on anybody." Family members described Zarco as loving and excited about motherhood, while Trejo was looking forward to raising their son. The couple had recently celebrated Zarco's birthday and held a baby shower, making the tragedy even more poignant.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses, raising over $22,000 to date. The campaign highlights the couple's love for each other and their family, emphasizing the profound loss felt by their loved ones.
Criticism of Police Pursuit
The incident has sparked discussions about police pursuit policies, particularly regarding the risks posed to innocent bystanders. Law enforcement expert Bruce Thomas noted that the suspect's actions escalated the situation into a felony pursuit, raising questions about the balance between public safety and the necessity of apprehending suspects.
Conclusion
The deaths of Jennifer Loera Zarco, Marc Anthony Trejo, and their unborn child underscore the tragic consequences of reckless driving and police pursuits. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a couple who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their child, now forever altered by this preventable tragedy.
