Watsonville man dead after wife allegedly runs him over

A woman is behind bars in Watsonville for driving under the influence, striking her husband and killing him. What started as a family gathering on Saturday night ended with tragedy after a 37-year old man was allegedly killed by his wife.

Just before nine on Saturday night, Watsonville Police responded to a report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision on the 300 block of Manor Avenue. There they found the victim, 37-year old Jaime Rodriguez, who had already died from his injuries. A quick investigation lead Watsonville PD to the home of the victim’s wife, 46-year old Eugena Olivarez, who was sitting in her car in the driveway.
Watsonville Police explain why she wasn’t arrested for homicide.

“I honestly don’t think she left the house that morning thinking Gosh, I hope I run over somebody today. Or I hope it’s my husband. I don’t think that’s a factor in this at all. This was, it was an isolated event that lead to a catastrophic ending and that’s where you have the vehicular manslaughter as opposed to a homicide charge,” said Watsonville Police Sergeant Brian Ridgway.

Olivarez was arrested for DUI causing death and gross vehicular manslaughter. She was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. According to police, witnesses said the two got into a verbal argument before Olivarez got in her car with the intention to leave. Rodriguez tried to stop her by hanging on to the vehicle but eventually fell and was struck by the car, causing fatal injuries.

Anyone with any additional information about this case is asked to call Watsonville Police as soon as possible.