One of the two suspects in the hit-and-run accident that killed a 16-year-old boy over the weekend was in court on Thursday. Hunt’s family said they are happy to see an arrest in the case, but are still struggling to fill the void left by the loss of their son, a junior at Chicago’s Bogan High School.
“He took a life,” said Hunt’s mother, Stephanie Halloway.
Halloway and her husband are still trying to figure out the hit and run that led to the death of their son.
Hakeem Adams, Hunt’s stepfather, said, “It’s been a challenge man … ups and downs … anger … just trying to get through it day in and day out.”
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Hunt died in surgery after police said he was hit by a Cherokee Jeep on Saturday night while he was driving on Route 83 at Central Avenue in Burr Ridge. Police said an unidentified tip led them to 18-year-old Woodridge resident Marvin Mejia, the driver of the jeep.
John Madden, chief of the Burr Ridge Police Department, said, “It affected all of us and I can tell you it affected these detectives and officers here who, in this case, did not stop because of the circumstances of this young man’s life.” Work done.”
Watch: Bur Ridge police give update on fatal hit and run case
The family said Hunt was trying to make his way back to his home in Chicago’s Parkview neighborhood from his father’s home in Burr Ridge when he was fatally hit.
Hunt’s family said they learned of his death when they called on his phone on Sunday and a police officer answered.
“He was a loving brother and a caring person,” said Hunt’s younger sister, Tonya Bennett, through tears.
Mejia now faces one count of failing to report a death-related accident, which is a Class 1 offense. A judge on Thursday set Mejia a $50,000 bond, but Hunt’s family is not very happy.
“I don’t agree with that because you can get a drug charge and your bail is $5,000,” Adams said. “So one person was killed behind this incident, and then you ran away from the spot.”
Prosecutors also said that Mejia called the state attorney’s office when they realized he was involved in the accident.
“He said he turned himself in yesterday … the accident happened on the fifth so what is that … four, five days later? We will never know if he was drunk … We will never know that What was happening was his head,” Adams said.
Police said eyewitnesses told of two potentially suspicious vehicles. One is a dark colored SUV, possibly a 2014-18 Jeep, with passenger side front end damage. The second vehicle was a dark SUV, possibly a 2013–15 Toyota, with damage to the front and right sides. Investigators said they were also looking for a dark Acura SUV with Wisconsin plates that was seen leaving the area.
“There was talk of a third vehicle stopping and leaving. We don’t know the vehicle’s involvement or if it was just a witness who didn’t want to be left behind. It was described as a dark Acura SUV with a Wisconsin license.” Plates,” said Deputy Chief Mark Loftus.
Police did not say whether any other drivers were apprehended, but said anonymous tip, media coverage, Burr Ridge Police and a DuPage Countywide task force played a role in the arrest.
“It’s about good police work in a sad situation,” said Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso. “That’s the story of this morning.”
Police continued to search through surveillance video, urging businesses along the highway to come forward with another video to help Hunt’s family close.
“There’s a 16-year-old boy walking down the street, minding his own business, and someone will hit him and not stop to offer help, it’s upsetting,” Loftus said.
Hunt’s grandmother Vanessa Calvin said, “Please turn yourself in. Free yourself from this guilt, and just turn on yourself.”
Anyone with information about the drivers and vehicles involved in the accident is asked to contact the Burr Ridge Police Department at 630-323-8181. You can also send information anonymously by texting 888-777. Begin your message with the word TIP followed by BRPDCRASH.
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