‘He was just opening presents with his son’: Texas man killed by hit-and-run driver

PASADENA, Texas — A Texas man celebrating at his 6-year-old son’s birthday party was killed by a hit-and-run driver while he crossed the street after walking to a nearby ATM, authorities said.

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Jovonnie Castillo, 24, of Pasadena, died when he was struck by the vehicle at about 5:30 p.m. CST on Saturday, the Pasadena Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

“He was just opening presents with his son,” the man’s sister, Christina Castillo, told KHOU-TV. “And then, now, he’s gone.”

Christina Castillo said her brother and his family were celebrating in their apartment he left to walk to a nearby ATM, the television station reported.

According to police, Jovonnie Castillo returned and was crossing the street when he was hit by a GMC Sierra truck, which then drove away.

A neighbor found Castillo and called for help, KHOU reported.

“She recognized the shirt and so she said she just started screaming my mom’s name,” Christina Castillo told the television station.

Pasadena police said the truck had oversized towing mirrors and chrome trim. It appeared to have a lift kit installed, large tires with dark-colored rims, a bed cover and no front license plate, police said.

Jovonnie Castillo’s funeral will be held Monday.

Family members hope the driver of the truck comes forward and speaks with police.

“I would like them to know my brother was a human being with a name, with a story, with family that loved him, that really wanted him to grow old. And to please, please turn yourself in,” Christina Castillo told KHOU. “If it was an accident, that’s OK, but please turn yourself in because my family deserves some justice. His son deserves some justice.”

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