Authorities released new photos of the vehicles believed to have been involved in the deadly hit-and-run on May 15. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information.
SAN ANTONIO — Police released new photos of the vehicles believed to have been involved in a deadly hit-and-run in the 1300 block of Culebra Road.
It happened just before 9:30 p.m. on May 15.
The victim, who police identified as 45-year-old Roman Gonzalez, was a father of five.
“He meant something,” said Patricia Stetson-Martinez. “He was my little brother. He was a jokester who loved to smile and cook. BBQ was his favorite thing. He would give you the shirt off his back. Now, he won’t get to see his younger kids graduate or walk his daughters down the aisle. Losing Roman had a big impact on us and we just want justice for him.”
At first, police told loved ones Gonzalez was struck by a vehicle that didn’t stop. Authorities also told Stetson-Martinez there were no witnesses.
This week, the family learned Gonzalez was struck by two vehicles.
“Two drivers,” said Stetson-Martinez through tears. “What if the first car would have stopped? The second vehicle maybe wouldn’t have hit him. If they would have called 911, would he still be here? I know it was an accident, I know it’s dark on that street. But I just want to know, ‘What were his last thoughts? What were his last words?’ Someone could have held his hand until help got there.”
Gonzalez was walking to a gas station to get some late-night snacks when he crossed Culebra Road, loved ones say.
According to police, Gonzalez was struck by a white car, believed to be a Mazda 3, and was flung into another lane. That’s where investigators say he was run over by an orange SUV.
The first vehicle kept going. The second driver pulled into the gas station Gonzalez never made it to. Surveillance video shows the second driver inspecting their bumper. However, that driver reportedly did not check on Gonzalez either.
The father died feet from a pedestrian cross light that wasn’t working.
“Fix that cross light,” Stetson-Martinez urged city officials. “Why do you have it there? For show?”
KENS 5 reported the broken cross light to the City of San Antonio’s Transportation Department. A spokesperson assured us a crew will look at it.
Grieving but determined, Stetson-Martinez wanted to share a message with the drivers.
“How do you not see a 240-pound man in the street?” she asked. “I don’t hate you. I’m a Christian woman, I forgive you. There’s only one judge and that’s God, besides the judicial system, but give me peace. Every orange and white vehicle I see I am constantly looking at. I don’t want to live like that for the rest of my life. I want those people to turn themselves in.”
If you know the drivers or recognize the vehicles, please call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-7867. Up to $5,000 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and you can remain anonymous.
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