Donation fund set up for children of mother run over by husband

CHULA VISTA (CNS) – Authorities announced Tuesday the creation of a donation fund to aid three young South Bay girls whose mother was killed last week, allegedly when their father intentionally ran her down with his pickup truck in a jealous rage.

Cesar Vallejo Castillo of Chula Vista is suspected of repeatedly running over his 37-year-old estranged wife, Leonor, with his 1998 Chevrolet Silverado in the 1100 block of Elm Avenue in Chula Vista on Friday evening. She died at the scene.

The suspect, also 37, remained at large until Monday, when he turned himself in at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to police. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of murder and was being held without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

At the time of their mother’s death, the couple’s children, ages 10, 8 and 3, were waiting at their grandparents’ home for her to return so they could decorate their Christmas tree together, CVPD Lt. Fritz Reber said.

The family has received a number of contributions from members of the public concerned about the girls’ welfare, the lieutenant said.

Anyone wishing to help can do so online at gofundme.com/i0u0a4.