Andrew M. Benkert, 23, was killed on State Street 135 June 15 when a auto strike him right before driving absent from the scene.
GREENWOOD, Ind — It is been nearly two months due to the fact the hit-and-run loss of life of 23-12 months aged Andrew Benkert.
“He was a pleasant soul. Sure he was,” explained neighbor Kristy Brinker.
Benkert’s demise rocked the Greenwood community and remaining his family with unanswered questions.
“My partner and I took them some food stuff and they explained it was the very first time they had gotten foods since they experienced been Door Dashing every single working day. Then we bought a card and we went about to every single of our neighbors and asked them to indicator the card for sympathy and each individual neighbor was so glad to just be equipped to do that,” claimed Brinker.
Greenwood Police say Benkert was killed the night of June 15. He was going for walks on Condition Highway 135 close to Fairview Highway soon after 11 p.m. when a driver hit him and remaining the scene.
Law enforcement say they have video clip from a close by enterprise of the suspected car or truck. Investigators say in the movie, the suspected driver stopped, turned on the car’s hazard lights, and then drove off, turning correct from SR 135 onto Fry Road.
Linked: Greenwood law enforcement examine fatal crash involving pedestrian
“We’re pretty self-assured that the motor vehicle of curiosity is a Chevy Trailblazer concerning 2002-2009,” claimed Greenwood Law enforcement Ofc. Jason Grable. “The gold bowtie emblem is missing. We have that. The whole passenger aspect mirror, we have that also.”
There is also probably destruction to the front ideal headlight, and appropriate fender and bumper.
Grable explained law enforcement are hoping a person arrives forward with details.
“We have a sensation this was an incident, and we are just thinking, curious why they did not quit,” stated Grable. “We would really like to be ready to convey to this household what took place to their son and give them some indication as to why.”
The family members set up a GoFundMe site for Benkert that has raised more than $8,000 of its $10,000 intention.
Bricker said numerous neighbors have donated to assistance.
“You really don’t know if you are heading to have your boy or girl the following day and then when this tragedy comes about to a person in your neighborhood, even if you don’t know them, your coronary heart just fills with really like and you want to aid them,” mentioned Bricker.
Similar: ‘It’s a tragedy’: Police look for for suspect in fatal Greenwood strike-and-run
Bricker reported she’ll miss his welcoming smile.
“He would stroll in the rain, in the snow, in the sleet, anywhere he favored to walk, and he was welcoming,” stated Bricker. “(The family members) did explain to us they want to see justice completed and so we hope and pray that justice will be finished.”
Justice for a household wanting for responses.
Any person with information on Benkert’s demise is questioned to speak to the Greenwood Police Department Idea Line at 317-865-0300 or they can anonymously make a report on the department’s web web page at www.greenwood.in.gov/law enforcement.
