Family Seeks Justice in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case

News Summary

The family of Brandon Venegas, who died in a hit-and-run incident in Jacksonville, is desperately searching for answers. Venegas was struck by a vehicle while walking home on Memorial Day, and his body was found behind a Walgreens weeks later. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating but has released limited details. The family has expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and is urging the community to help identify the driver involved in the tragedy.

Jacksonville – The family of Brandon Venegas, a 40-year-old man who lost his life in a hit-and-run incident on Memorial Day, is urgently seeking answers following the discovery of his body a month later behind a Walgreens on Merrill Road in Arlington. Venegas was reportedly walking home when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Brandon Venegas was the youngest of three brothers and a beloved father. His family is devastated by his untimely death, with his brother, David Venegas, sharing that Brandon had made a brief stop at the store when the accident occurred. The shortcut behind the Walgreens, where Brandon was found, is commonly used by residents in the neighborhood. This familiarity underscores the profound loss felt by his family and community.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is actively investigating the incident, though they have not disclosed extensive details to the public. As part of their effort, three weeks after the incident, police released surveillance footage of a white mid-sized SUV that is believed to be linked to the hit-and-run. However, family members have expressed frustration with the lack of clear information, feeling that the depiction of the vehicle in the footage is too vague to help in identifying the driver responsible for Brandon’s death.

The last known sighting of Brandon Venegas was near a Publix supermarket at the intersection of Merrill and Townsend, which is close to where his body was later found. This raised significant concern among his family and the local community regarding their safety when using common routes in the area.

To honor his memory and raise awareness, the Venegas family has created custom T-shirts featuring the phrase “RIP G,” a nickname for Brandon. They wore these shirts during a public plea for information about the incident, showcasing their commitment to seeking truth and justice for their loved one.

Brandon’s mother, Shelly Jimenez, has made a heartfelt appeal for the person responsible for the hit-and-run to come forward. She has shared her profound sorrow over the loss of her son and emphasized that the actions of the driver have “ruined our world.” Her call for the individual to confess is rooted in a belief that there is divine knowledge of their identity.

The Venegas family is resolute in their determination to find answers regarding Brandon’s tragic death and has stated that their search for justice will not stop. They are encouraging anyone with information on the case to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

When approached for comments regarding the timing of the surveillance footage release, a spokesperson for JSO indicated that the investigation is ongoing, which leaves family and friends waiting for more substantial updates. The uncertainty surrounding the case adds to the grief felt by the Venegas family, as they navigate this difficult time and seek closure.

This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the potential dangers faced by pedestrians and the community’s responsibility to support law enforcement in bringing justice to victims and their families. The Venegas family’s call for help emphasizes the importance of collective vigilance and responsibility in ensuring safety within the community.

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