Woman accused of deadly hit-and-run to be tried in Sept.

Almost two years after a Madera toddler died from being hit by an SUV, the woman accused of crashing into him and then driving away will stand trial in September.

Ivette Godinez, 35, is charged with manslaughter and hit-and-run for the Sept. 21, 2010 incident that killed 3-year-old Efrain Hernandez.

Godinez’s trial is set to begin Sept. 18, with a trial confirmation set for Aug. 23 in Department 3 before Judge Ernie LiCalsi. Hernandez was crossing Olive Avenue near Martin Street in a crosswalk with an adult relative and his young siblings when Godinez allegedly struck him with her SUV. Witnesses say she made a U-turn and came back, but then sped away when she realized she had hit the boy.

Defense attorney Linden Lindahl will represent Godinez in the case, and Deputy District Attorney Gina Bradshaw will prosecute.