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Man struck and killed in Palmdale, suspect arrested

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The deadly hit-and-run collision happened early Friday morning (March 29) on Rancho Vista Boulevard and 15th Street East in Palmdale. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)
The deadly hit-and-run collision happened early Friday morning (March 29) on Rancho Vista Boulevard and 15th Street East in Palmdale. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)

PALMDALE – A 23-year-old man was struck and killed near a Palmdale intersection early Friday morning. The driver who fled and then returned to the scene was arrested for felony hit and run and driving on a suspended license, authorities said.

Around 3:39 a.m. Friday, Palmdale sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an injured man lying in the street at the intersection of Rancho Vista Boulevard (Avenue P) and 15th Street East, according to deputy J. Heald.

The man, later identified as 23-year-old Adolfo Cornavaca of Palmdale, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed a black Honda Accord was traveling eastbound on Rancho Vista Boulevard when it struck Cornavaca, who was walking southbound across the eastbound lanes, Heald stated.

The Honda fled the scene, and the driver was later identified when he returned to the scene.

Mark Horwedel, 28, of Palmdale, was arrested for felony hit and run and driving on a suspended license. Horwedel was booked at the Palmdale Station around 6:44 a.m. on $50,000 bail. He was released after making bail late Friday afternoon, according to LASD inmate records.

Rancho Vista Boulevard was closed to routine traffic, from 10th Street East to 20th Street East, while the incident was being investigated. The roads reopened around 9:30 a.m.

The incident remains under investigation by the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station traffic detail.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

86 comments for "Man struck and killed in Palmdale, suspect arrested"

  2. I love how everyone is making a big deal about the fact that he had a suspended license. In this economy, would you not continue to drive to work to provide for yourself and family if your license was suspended? So many saints in this forum… The fact remains it was an accident–whether he had a license or not. Could’ve been anyone of us driving that night.

    • Actually I’ve never got a traffic ticket. Let me correct you sir. If was an accident when he hit him but murder when he fled the scene like a coward. Oh and by the way it says he was booked on a DUI that night too, according to this website.

      • Actually, it doesn’t say he was booked on DUI, so let me correct you sir! He was booked for VC14601.2, which is driving when your privilege is suspended or revoked for DUI. A simple Google search could’ve made you look much more intelligent (in addition to fixing your many grammatical errors). By the way, nobody cares whether or not you personally ever got a traffic ticket. Personally, I do not care who you even are or your driving history. Moreover, I said not a single word about the fleeing of the scene. I agree that was wrong. Coming from a criminal law background, let me educate you a little. Murder is a possibility (assuming the prosecution could prove a conscious disregard for the quality of human life, aka extreme recklessness), but it would be hard to prove such malice aforethought required for murder, though not impossible. In sum, your response was not only ridden with errors, but was either substantially incorrect, or irrelevant. I suggest you think before you talk (or in this case, write).

        • Well [removed] you’re the one accusing everyone of not being “saints”, which nobody ever said they were. There was a reason he has a suspended license. He may have been able to start CPR or called an ambulance. As for say I’m not intelligent…if you cried all day and night your vision wouldn’t be clear either. Ya his license was suspended for a past DUI. Like the other person said we are all wondering if he was sobering up within those two hours. It’s people like you that make this world a dark place. Now how about you go back to your google and search on how to have a heart.

    • Not a saint and the bigger deal for me is that he hit this young soldier and did not stop to render aid and furthermore returned two hours later ; what did he do in those two hours, get advice from Mom and Dad or try to sober up? And no, I would not drive on a suspended license, way too paranoid and it just ain’t right.
      Could have been any one of us? I think not.

    • It is a big deal… he should not have been driving that night and he tested positive for marijuana. I’m not saying I wouldn’t drive with a suspended license but Adolfo wouldn’t.. as a matter of fact that is the reason he was walking in the middle of the night and not driving his own car… This man took another’s life, he deserves to rot in prison!

  3. He was a good kid that we lost way too early. His little brother is good friends with my daughter and he always made a point of hanging out with them whether he was shooting basketball with them or fixing bikes he was a hero in their eyes. Thank you again Fito for answering my neverending questions when my son was leaving to boot camp, I was scared for my son but your answers helped settle my nerves. God bless your family and may you Rest in Peace.

  4. The writer of this story did not get all the facts correct. Mark Is the father of the accused. They are an outstanding family. Colby was driving the car. I am sure he was scared to death. Colby was driving his car to work in San Diego. Not making any excuses for him as I believe he was wrong to leave the scene and not call 911. But believe me those are Christian people and I am sure this is weighing so heavy on their hearts. I pray for both family’s.

    • I looked it up and it appears you are the one that’s incorrect. Let the inmate information system be your friend. I looked this dude up and Mark Colby Horwedel, 28, Male, White is the name that’s listed as being arrested and released. So how can Mark be the father of the accused? Mark/Colby, whatever you want to call him, was wrong to leave the scene. That wasn’t very Christian of him. No matter how heavy it might be weighing on that family’s hearts, at least they’re still alive, more than we can say for poor Adolfo. Get your priority straight and stop defending this killer.

      • I stand corrected we know him as Colby and his dad is Mark. I am not going to stop defending him because I was not defending him in the first place. If I had to choose between being Adolfo’s dad or Colby’s dad in this situation I would choose neither. How would you like to have your son either be dead or be on suicide watch because he is so guilt ridden over taking someone else’s life. How does making a mistake and running away for a short time then returning have to do with being a follower of Christ? The apostle Peter did just that and denied even knowing Christ. The fact that he went back to the scene and confessed his guilt shows he has remorse and is willing to pay for his mistake. It was an accident that he will pay for for the rest of his life. We are all saddened by this and should put ourselves in the shoes of others before we comment.

    • Did you forget about the suspended license part?
      Why had his license been suspended?

      • No es justo que ese maldito pague una cantidad de dinero para estar libre que se pudra en la cárcel y que lo torturen para que hable quien lo mando a matar a ADOLFO CORNAVACA ya que si fue simplemente un accidente el lo hubiese llevado a un hospital y no dejarlo tirado ahí, el era un ser humano de bien a la sociedad.
        Ese perro malparido gusano que lo maten, es un asesino hijo de una perra sin corazón; que se haga justicia y no quede impune la muerte del amigo, hermano e hijo de buen vivir y que expuso su vida defendiendo a los U.S.A

    • Let the love of God break down walls…Fito is safe in our forgiving merciful and gracious Father’s arms…I see him as a child in heaven more joyous then he ever was even as a little fito playing on the streets with me. I pray for safety and peace over his family in Jesus name Amen.

  6. I just found out today about my Dear brother in arms. Truly a tragic event that I don’t know enough to weigh in on. God will take care of it. What I do have to say, is that young Soldier was such a good soul and his smile was a gift he gave so generously. He affected so many of us with his good nature and kindness but that enduring smile will remain in our hearts for many years. God Bless him and his family on their journey through this!

  7. COURT UPDATE: Driver’s preliminary hearing is set for 4/29/13 in dept. A1 or A2 downstairs at AV court, if we could get as many people here this day my family would appreciate it so much. Please help us by coming . — with Adolfo Cornavaca.

    • For what? So you can leer and jeer at this young man? Yes, he did a horrendous act, a much loved much adored much respected boy is dead…forgiveness is yours to give for something out of anyone’s control. You do not know the circumstances involving this accident. What if Adolfo ran across at the last minute thinking he could make it? I am not making excuses for the man who hit him, just that, don’t make a decision that will make you look hateful. Showing up is not going to make the courts give this man a greater charge. He is going to prison for a long time, get it, he is going to suffer. Adolfo should be remembered for the wonderful person he was, not drag him down in your hurting to have revenge, which is what you want. A mob mentality suits no one. If he had murdered this young man instead, then a show of support for the victim would be understandable, but come on, it was an ACCIDENT, plain and simple. Plus, why didn’t he call any of his so many friends to come and get him? Didn’t he have a cell phone? Didn’t anyone know where he was at that time of morning? Someone said he was out drinking and decided to walk home…why didn’t he call?? You should have been there to pick him up, why didn’t you?? See, we can spread blame all over the place to make us feel better…he is resting in God’s arms, can never hurt again, but this young man’s life is over, he will never again have a life of substance. To heal you must forgive and get on with life.

      • I guess the main reason is why did he run? Had he stopped and called 911 immediately, Adolfo could be still be alive today.

      • my brother walking down the street regardless of what time it was is not a crime, there is no law saying you cant walk the streets at that hour, his decision to walk was his, but driving with a license suspended is, he shouldn’t have been behind the wheel in the first place, regardless, and who are you to start making speculations of what happened and to start asking us why we didnt pick him up, how dare you, the purpse of getting people there is to show how many lives he touched, not out of hate, we never said that, my family never once said we want revenge, we just want justice, no matter if there is five people or a million people in that court NOTHING will bring my brother back and i understand that, two wrongs dont make a right, but we are suffering, and you are heartless to say this to question US why we didnt pick him up to speculate that my brother was drunk, atleast my brother knew better than to get behind a wheel drunk, he obeyed the law, your asking why didnt he call, well honey we are asking ourselves the same thing,if your the lady he waved at why didnt you stop, if the man who hit him would not have left the scene my brother could have probably been alive,it was an accident when he hit him, it was murder when he fled the scene did you ever think about that, i dont hate this man who hit him what is that going to do, make him rot in jail is not bringing him back, yes my brother is gone, and all my family wants is to have support because my 23 year old brother did not deserve to die like this, accident or not, so please take your opinions and keep them to yourself, its people like you who dont know what its like to feel what we feel nothing gives you the right to question my family, our wishes, and our way of making sure my brother rest peacefully.

        • Wasn’t he (adolfo) arrested for a DUI/drugs last year in September? So he took a chance at taking someones innocent life at one point? But youre saying he was a law-abiding citizen? Everyone makes mistakes and Mark will live with his for the rest of his life. But it can happen to anyone and everyone reacts differently. I don’t know what I would do in that situation and I don’t think you do either…we think we would do the right thing but stress and trauma can do crazy things to a person. I pray for both families. Only forgiveness will heal your hearts, resentment will only hold you back.

      • What’s with you and.Bob and the “mob violence” spiel..and please stop blaming the victim and his family.This community has lost a decent kid,show some respect.

      • Where is your empathy for the family and friends of Adolfo, Anna? They never said they wanted revenge. They are in mourning and being surrounded by loved ones of Adolfo is bringing them comfort and the support they need during this time. The court hearing is going to be difficult for them and they need all the love and support they can get. To put the blame on the victim and try to bring guilt to his loved ones is incredibly distasteful of you. How can you preach about forgiveness and then pull something like that? Adolfo’s family are believers of God and they are kind, loving and compassionate people.You know absolutely nothing about them yet you are making assumptions. Yes, Adolfo is now in the arms of God, but knowing that does not take the pain away from our hearts and it does not make us want to automatically forgive the person who left him there after hitting him. I’m sure many of us will eventually find it in our hearts to forgive, but we are human beings going through the mourning process of someone very dear to us. No one knows the exact circumstances of this incident, but what we do know is that Adolfo is gone forever and we do not need disrespectful and hurtful remarks thrown our way to add on to the pain we are experiencing. Please have more respect for his friends and family.

      • Dear Anna our reasons as to why we will attend the court is to show our love and support for someone who is truely missed. We are their to support his family in their loss. Going to court is not for revenge so get your [removed] straight. Adolfos action speak for themselves as to why he didn’t call anyone. But he didn’t drive drunk home and end someones life. As to his own life was taken while walking home. Anyone would have gone to pick him up even if its three a.m . Why he didn’t call remains a question that will never be answered. There are plenty of reasons anyone one can think of as to why he walked and never called. I like to walk sometimes to clear my mind and get away and be alone without alerting anyone. And sometimes because its good to walk instead of being lazy anddrive. But those are my reasons are you gonna now question me as to why I don’t call because I can give you a million reasons. Adolfo loves excersising. Again he had his reasons. As for you and as you say qoute ( he was much loved adored and much respected boy is dead!) Seriously that’s a bitch say. If your here just to disrespect don’t express your thoughts. In this page everyone is showing there support for his family and showing there memmories and impact adolfo had on there lives. Readimg what you wrote disrespects everyone that knew loved cared and miss him. The only ones who know ehat happened are adolfo and the driver of the vehicle. Don’t ever write here again. We love you and miss you adolfo. Rest in peace in heaven in paridise.

  8. rest in paradise adolfo cornavaca me and carlos miss u alot all of us do art anthony juan ! were praying for u bro always in our mind we miss you and love u !

  10. R.I.P. Spec. Adolfo Cornavaca. Great friend and outstanding soldier, Thank you for making our 2010-2011 Iraq deployment less stressfull, miss you and love you my brother in amrs. my condolances to his family.

  11. Adolfo mi amor gracias por todos esos momentos y maravillosos y los mejores de mi vida Que me distes y por ver estado ahi cuando mas lo necesite te amo y siempre seras el amor de mi vida….
    Te amo adolfo cornavaca y pronto nos veremos=((

  12. A tragic loss indeed.

    But what is the story about why he was walking along Ave. P at 3:30am? I read all of the comments above, and only one person posted that they suspect he was walking because his vehicle broke down? Man, I’d never want to cross Ave. P on foot, especially at night. people routinely drive 70+MPH there. You my as well try crossing Hwy 14. :-(

  14. Thoughts and prayers go out to both families involved. I don’t think anyone had the right to blame anyone what was he doing walking in the middle if the street? I could only imagine how scared the driver must have been. My heart breaks for everyone involved

    • I think the big issue is that he left the scene and did not offer or call for help, who knows how long this young man was lying there and would he have benefitted from help…and oh yeah, the driver had no license.Plenty of blame there and not on the victim.

  16. Adolfo we miss you and love you. I miss you.You changed my life i loved spending every minute and day with you. falling asleep and waking up with you was the greatest feeling ever. You wanted me to stay in your life. I didnt try hard enough. I should have. I miss you. And I promise to see you everyday and be in your life as i shouold have. rest in peace.

  17. this is my son best friend and he is a mess we are a dj company and you can see the gig we played on youtube at lisaart02 or art sanchez on youtube i have been crying for two day please subcribe and comment on aldolfo C video we will mis him so much GoD please but him in your light or call my so at 6615335811 and give him comfort

  18. I never got to say goodbye. He was one of the very few special people I ever ment in my life. I miss him so much. I’m going to see you again Adolfo I love you and miss you. I’m going to pray for you always. Love you forever

  19. And how fast was the driver going cause down Ave.p its 60mh so whose to say he wasn’t following speed limit
    …..

  20. I had the greatest honor to have servered with him in Iraq for a year. My heart and prayer go out to all of us that were honored with his presence for such a short time. AND TO THE EDITOR (Luis Meza) he was not just a 23 year old man her was a VETERAN AND A HERO OF OUR COUNTRY that few of us are willing give our lives for!!!! To the family my despest condolence..

  22. WOW, This is shocking and he was a good AND a proud member of the California Army National Guard. and i hope they get the people that did this…………..R.I.P. Adolfo Cornavaca

  23. I can’t believe this………aldolfo, gone………untill we meet again buddy. Thanks for being a part of my childhood. Anyone have any info that your willing to share, id like to get in contact. …..michael kanyer.

  24. It is so sad that because this person did not call 911 after he hit him this great person is gone! He served with my husband in Iraq and now he’s gone. I hope this person can live with himself for what pain he caused so many people! Corn you’ll will be missed but one day; all of you will be together again!

  25. He will be missed. Great kid. Always had a smile on his face. My condolences to his family. I served with him in Iraq.

  27. This is very sad. I am a former neighbor who lived half a block down the street from him. Their home was not even built when we moved in just prior to their family. I remember him as a little boy. Our kids played together and knew each other from the neighborhood. He was always helping his dad work on cars. One time, our A/C went out and his dad did not hesitate to come and help us fix it so our family would not be uncomfortable in the hot Palmdale summer heat. I remember when his mom was pregnant with one of his sisters. What a nice family. My heart is breaking for the family. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Adolphito, as we called him when he was a little boy. And thank you for serving your country. I salute you, Sir.

  28. Corn was a great soldier i still cant believe that your gone we went threw such much in Iraq for this to happen your my brother and friend you will truely be missed HYDRO FOR LIFE 15H

  29. Adolfo will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a great soldier, friend and brother. I’m honored to have served with him. Condolences go out to all of his family. RIP ADOLFO CORNAVACA

  30. To the family, sorry for your loss.your son served his country and the state of California with honor.

    Operation Iraqi freedom veteran

  31. A truly great soldier and young man. He always had a smile on his face when I spoke to him. Such a shame to serve his country as a young warrior to be killed in his home town. You will be missed, god bless. RIP Adolfo.

  32. It’s a tragic loss. He was an outstanding citizen, soldier, friend, brother. RIP. Condolences to the family, and know that we will help in anyway we can.

  33. A wonderful person we all just lost for those who knew him. I remember all the good and bad times we had together from high school to present. He had a passion for cars and serving for our country. Always ready to do whatever it took to get the job done. You will never be forgotten fito. Love you brotha. RIP.

  34. He was a great friend and person, he always has a smile on his face. Your in a better place now . You will be missed fito. My deep condolence to his family! Natalie & Carlos

    Rest In Paradise Adolfo Cornavaca

    have you in prayers

    • by the way the [removed] who hit him is out on bail something should be done! Mark Horwedel, 28, of Palmdale, was arrested for felony hit and run and driving on a suspended license. he was released friday afternoon !

      • First of all, you are a [removed] for posting the comment above and trying to incite violence or any form of illegal retribution. It could lead to someone else being killed or injured by mistake.

        Mark will be face his time in court through the judicial system, which Adolfo swore to defend when he enlisted: “I … do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”

        Do not belittle his name because you are hurting.

        • do u even know him?? that person is out and he killed someone, im sure if he killed ur son and his bail was 5,000 you would be doing the same or probably more!! r u serious ?im just his friend and im writing this wow! plus u dont have to comment back its my opinions & i cant say what i want . point blank!

          • It’s not like he intentionally set out that morning to run over this young man. That section of road has no street light and is very dark. He left the scene which was wrong, he will go to prison for a long time for that, but he did not see the man and think hey I can run this guy over. He did not think straight and ran. But he did come back, he didn’t have to probably would have gotten away with it. It was an accident, not murder. Except for the Grace of God go we!

          • I would not incite violence for an accidental act, even if it was hit and run (which he was arrested for, it might be dropped later since he did return to the scene shortly after.)

            What I do understand is the oath that Adolfo and all other enlisted men take.

            You willingly want to violate what Adolfo stood for. Some friend that is.

        • Bob I think you might be overreacting. She is understandably upset and wants something done.Justice does not mean violence. From the postings here they seem like a nice group of young people still in shock.
          Relax.

  35. This is so sad. Grew up in the same neighborhood as him. Saw him all the time helping his dad work on their cars, etc. He was a good person. I can’t even imagine what his family is going through. RIP.

  36. Just read this, we are so shocked. We watched him grow up to a fine young man. RIP Alopito.

    Almighty Father, eternal God, hear our prayers for Your son Alopito whom you have called from this life to yourself. Grant him/her light, happiness, and peace. Let him pass in safety through the gates of death, and live forever with all Your saints in the light You promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith. Guard him from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise him/her up with all Your saints. Pardon his sins and give him eternal life in Your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

  38. Corn was a good friend a just all around good human being. Our tour in Iraq just wouldn’t have been the same without him. He was my brother in arms and a friend and the world is truly less without him. I hope this son of a bitch pays.

  40. How sad, I actually passed this young man walking on the north side of the street going east, he waved to my vehicle but I was on duty and could not stop and was going west bound anyway. There was a vehicle further up the road so I assumed he had broken down. It was minutes later that he was struck, although I did not see it. He had on very dark clothes, jacket with a hood, so I am sure the driver did not see him, no excuse, just saying. My heart goes out to his family….

    • HHHMMMM?? WHEN YOU SAY YOU WERE ON “DUTY”? IS THAT AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, SECURITY GUARD, AMBULANCE DRIVER… HOW MANY MINUTES COULD YOU HAVE LOST BY MAKING A U-TURN AND FINDING OUT WHAT HIS PROBLEM WAS? MAYBE THOSE THREE/FIVE MINUTES COULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO SAVE HIS LIFE?

      • When God decides its your time to go it’s your time no matter how it is hE takes you whether Anna would’ve stopped or not it’s not up to her to save anyone’s life….thats gods decision

      • NO Mr. Perplexed, I am neither of those things, but I was on the clock and not allowed to stop for passengers of any kind. Most people have cell phones, also, not knowing who he was would it have been smart to stop for a male? I surely was bothered by him out walking and wanted very much to help, but in these times you just can’t, plus as I said, my job would never allow for it. I was on my way in the capacity of my job. Just as a FedEx, UPS, water delivery, etc…they don’t stop for people walking down the street. Seeing someone out at that time of morning is nothing unusual in this valley. There are people all over the place, walking, riding bikes etc…He did not seem in distress, he had a small smile on his face from what I could see. There was also a big rig further up the road pulled over, had pallets for his load, would you ask the same of him? I knew when I came back that way and the road was blocked that something bad had happened, and I was sick all day until I read about this young man. This has happened before to me, I saw a woman moments before she was hit by the metro train, she was going in the opposite direction as I was so I never saw it happen but read about it later. Please don’t judge me for this, I did indeed want to stop but knew I could not. Besides, did I know he would cross in front of a car? Did I know the car would hit him? It makes me sick to think of it.

        • Don’t feel bad Anna…I have seen him many times walking at night because I live by him and I work late at night as well. Prayer is the best thing we can do for anyone anywhere, prayed for him and others,the best thing is we don’t always have to take matters into our own hands..I was praying on Palmdale Blvd. for the city and the youth around 11:30 P.M. Thursday night. Life happens, but Christ is for eternity..Be at peace and be blessed at work

    • Hey what time did you see him; all of his friends want to know like around what time this happened. Someone called in at 3:45 but that does not mean this happened at that time. Please let us know.

      • I passed him at approximately 3:34 am but he was on the north side heading east, he was not on the south side where he was hit. He must have crossed the street and therefore struck by car.

        • Anna, It is important that I speak with you about this accident. I am helping Mark’s family with this. If you would contact me at Redondorobin@yahoo.com the family and I would immensely appreciate this.

  41. As a Recruiter for the California Army National Guard I am proud to say on my 10yr + as a recruiter Spc. Cornavaca was definitely one of my great assets I got for the Guard. When he told me he was going to deploy he was looking forward to go defend his country and he did with honor. Sad to say he lost his life in a non sense accident. Spc. Cornavaca was smart soldier and great son. My deep condolence to his family and friends.

  42. I just can’t believe he is gone he was a great soldier
    Much liked and I was glad to have worked with him in
    Iraq . It’s sad to think that he is gone. It’s always so sad to see the
    Young ones go first after surviving in Iraq . It’s because of ignorant people that
    This awesome soldier left this world “to the dumbass who hit him…….”

  43. How sad to survive a year in Iraq and die on the streets of Palmdale; my condolences to his friends and family.

  44. This was one of the best soldiers and friends Ive ever served with. He will never be forgotten and will truly be missed. RIP Adolfo Cornavaca.

  45. Adolfo Cornavaca to my brother in arms you will never be forgotten for all you have done for this great nation thank you for serving our GREAT MILITARY!!!!(U.S. ARMY) We will take care of you now Remember you job is not done please take care of you family from the heavens above.

    Mark Horwedel if you would of just followed the law and not drive with a suspended license this would of never happened and the icing on the cake you included a hit and run you have destroyed a family because of stupidity

  46. Cornavaca, Adolfo A proud member of the California Army National Guard. Served in Iraq on a year tour. Was proud to serve the citizens of this great state. He will Be missed and condoloance to his family. An Accident that should never have happened.