Family of Morongo Valley man killed in intentional hit and run speaks out, with suspect on the loose
Athena Jreij
MORONGO VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The person who intentionally killed a 50-year-old Morongo Valley man last month in a hit-and-run is still on the loose, according to the man’s family and authorities.
Chris Garcia was killed on October 27 after a traffic collision at the intersection of Hess Boulevard and Senilis Avenue in Morongo Valley. His wife was in the car during the crash and says they were rear-ended by another vehicle near Highway 62.
When both cars pulled over to exchange information, Garcia and the suspect got into a heated argument. That’s when his wife says he was intentionally run over by the suspect and left for dead.
San Bernardino County Sheriffs said in a press release, “CHP was initially dispatched to the location for a vehicle versus pedestrian and possible hit and run. CHP requested deputies after they arrived on scene, because they determined the victim was intentionally struck by a vehicle.”
Garcia’s wife spoke with News Channel 3 under the condition of anonymity, out of fear of retaliation from the suspect.
“My husband was walking back to my car, the guy actually put it in reverse and backed up and then floored it and rammed right into my car, the back of my car with my daughter in it still. He then backed up and proceeded to go around my vehicle, which he then struck my husband and drug him under the truck,” his wife said.
She went on to say, “So I got out of the passenger seat. My daughter, you know, she’s only six, she’s in the backseat screaming, don’t leave me by myself, I’m scared. I’m like, well, you know, I got to find Chris. I got out and told my daughter, just keep her eyes closed and that Chris needed help. I found him and he was still breathing, but he was already unresponsive.”
Garcia’s wife says his body laid in the intersection for hours as investigators worked the scene.
“The detectives, I get it they’re busy and stuff, but my husband body is laying in intersection until like 7:30 the next morning,” she said.
Now, the family is left searching for a suspect and for answers in what seems like a senseless tragedy.
“It didn’t need to happen. I don’t understand, like why he didn’t just drive around and leave. All this over what? I don’t even have answers to the what? Like was he under the influence? Was it just road rage? You know, we don’t know. I have no idea.”
News Channel 3 reached out to SBCSD who said they are still working the investigation. They were unable to provide a suspect description upon asking.
If you’d like to support the Garcia family, visit: Celebrate Chris’s Life with Love.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.