Man found dead in the middle of a Madera County road was run over intentionally, deputies say

Two people were arrested for an intentional hit-and-run collision that left a man dead in North Fork, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

Danielle Cook, 35, and Christopher Robesky, 49, both of North Fork, were arrested in connection with the death of Travis Balthazar, 31, of O’Neals.

Balthazar was found dead just after 3 a.m. Thursday on Road 224, also known as Bonnie B Road, near Grandma’s Place.

Evidence at the scene indicated that the victim was run over, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Sarah Jackson.

Deputies later found a white 1989 Acura sedan believed connected to the crime partially submerged in Kerckhoff Reservoir about 10 miles south of the crime scene.

After an investigation, deputies arrested Cook and Robesky in connection to the case.

Both are facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

No other details were announced Friday. The investigation is ongoing.

This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 10:26 PM.