Teen 'panicked' in crash that killed popular Oakland teacher, attorney says

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An 18-year-old man facing charges in the crash that left a popular Oakland teacher dead appeared in court on Monday.

This time with a new defense attorney who claims the young man "panicked" when police tailed him last week.

"He had no drugs. He had no weapons, no guns, never has. And he was expected to graduate high school soon. He panicked," said Oakland defense attorney Roseann Torres.

The family of the suspect, Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia, who is in jail, hired the private defense attorney over the weekend.

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Friday night an emotional vigil was held as community members mourned the loss of an Oakland teacher killed Wednesday night.

At an Oakland courtroom, he postponed giving a plea until his next court appearance on June 20.

Doorbell camera footage of the car Hernandez-Garcia drove that struck a couple out for a walk last Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. shows the vehicle crashing into Marvin Boomer.

Boomer passed away as he was flung into a staircase railing.

His girlfriend was hospitalized.

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Castlemont High School students remember their teacher, Dr. Marvin Boomer, after he was fatally struck by a CHP chase suspect in Oakland.

Neighbors shared video of the suspect running from the accident scene on foot.

The California Highway Patrol said they began pursuing the car at 102nd Ave and International Blvd. because the car was wanted for fleeing Alameda deputies.

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The ground chase was called off with a CHP chopper tailing the 18 year old for 15 minutes. When he stopped near Lake Merritt, CHP said the chase resumed, but again, was abandoned when he crashed into a minivan and sped up down a residential street.

But Hernandez-Garcia's attorney alleges he was driving his mother's car and somehow panicked after buying snacks at a convenience store. She says he called a teacher who tried to calm him down.

Marvin Boomer's family released a statement on Monday writing:

"The family of Marvin Boomer is grief-stricken over the devastating and senseless loss of their beloved son, brother, and friend, who was tragically killed on May 28, 2025, while walking through his neighborhood in Oakland, California. Marvin was an innocent pedestrian, struck and killed by a vehicle that was involved in a law enforcement pursuit.
"Marvin was not alone. He was walking with his girlfriend when the stolen vehicle barreled toward them. In a final act of love and selflessness, Marvin pushed her out of the path of the oncoming car, saving her life. Although she was still struck and has sustained severe physical injuries and deep psychological trauma, it is clear that Marvin's actions spared her from also being killed. At this time, out of respect for her privacy and as she continues to recover from her injuries, the name of Mr. Boomer's girlfriend is not being released.

"At this time, the Boomer family is requesting privacy as they mourn and begin to consider the legal remedies available to them. They have not authorized any individuals or organizations to speak publicly on their behalf. The family has had no contact with any parties currently organizing vigils or events and urges the public to respect their wishes by refraining from invoking Marvin's name, likeness, or story without permission.
"Michelle D. Bernard, President and CEO of the Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy, is the official spokesperson for the Boomer family and Marvin's girlfriend."

The Oakland Unified School District announced a GoFundMe to help with Boomer's legacy with students.