15-Year-Old Arrested For Killing Pregnant Preschool Worker in Hit-And-Run

An unidentified 15-year-old boy was arrested over a hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle that killed a pregnant preschool teacher in San Jose, California, on Oct. 24.

The teenager allegedly operating the 2008 Nissan sedan was arrested over the weekend, on Oct. 28, according to The Mercury News. Two other people in the vehicle – which had not been reported stolen when the collision happened – are still on the run, Daily Mail reported.

The 21-year-old teacher, who worked at Play ‘N’ Learn Preschool, was identified as April Zoglauer. The expectant mother was 27 weeks pregnant when she was fatally hit. Her due date was Jan. 25, The Mercury News noted. Doctors at a nearby hospital delivered her baby, Devontae Aaron Zoglauer, via an emergency C-section, according to Daily Mail. The premature newborn unfortunately died later.

The outlet reported that a memorial and a GoFundMe were set up for Zoglauer, who started working at the preschool as a teenage volunteer. Tammy Lariz, co-owner of Play’ N’ Learn, said Zoglauer was one of a kind. “Her job was just to love on them, and she was good at it.”

“Honestly, I’ve been doing this for 27 years, and I’ve never had somebody else who could do that job. Not the way she could do it,” Lariz said.

Zoglauer was remembered for her work to calm children who were adjusting to school, the outlet noted. Lariz also said that Zoglauer was a “blessing” and “she meant everything to us.”

Angie Loza, director of Play’ N’ Learn, said, “April’s grown up here, so we’ve known her for a very, very long time.” Loza also said, “The baby was a joy for all of us.”

The preschool employees said Zoglauer and her friends and family were excited about her pregnancy. The expectant mother had support from so many people that she had two gender reveal parties so everyone could attend, The Mercury News noted.