Woman arrested in connection with elderly Fairfield woman’s death

It took a $10,000 reward and innumerable man hours, but a suspect has been arrested in connection with the October death of an elderly Fairfield woman during a hit and run within the city.

Police announced Tuesday that Araceli Marin, 26, of Fairfield, is in custody.

Events unfolded on Oct. 22, when Namie Stewart, 81, went for a walk in her neighborhood around 11 p.m. She reportedly was struck by a vehicle in the area of Cement Hill Road near Laurel Creek Park. The motorist fled, leaving her in the roadway.

Stewart was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

Following the initial investigation, police offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.

A witness came forward, police said, offering information that reinvigorated the case the case.

“Investigators followed these leads, pointing them to a suspect and suspect vehicle now in Texas,” said Fairfield police Lt. Jausiah

Jacobsen in a press statement. “Working with deputies in El Paso, TX, they located the vehicle involved with damage consistent to the collision. The vehicle was seized as evidence and processed for further clues.

“Fairfield investigators conducted search warrants, gaining more evidence located in the suspect’s residence and electronic devices, further witness statements, and digital evidence retracing the steps of where the vehicle traveled prior to, and after the collision.”

On Tuesday, Marin was arrested and booked into

Solano County Jail on a warrant citing concealing evidence, vehicular manslaughter, driving on a suspended license and hit and run causing death or injury. Bail is set at $50,000. Marin is slated to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield.

“While we know this will not bring Namie back, we hope this development in the investigation brings some peace and closure to Namie’s loved ones,” Jacobsen said.