The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed Jose "Joey" Melesio, a 65-year-old man from the Chicago area. Melesio was visiting family in Los Angeles and planned to attend the Dodgers-Cubs series when he was struck and killed on April 27 near the intersection of South Figueroa Street and 75th Street.
The suspect vehicle, described as a small, four-door sedan (possibly white, gray, or silver), was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when it struck Melesio, who was walking. The driver did not stop to render aid, making the case a felony hit-and-run. Police have not yet obtained a clear image of the driver but are asking auto body shops to report any recent repairs to matching vehicles.
Melesio’s family described him as a devoted uncle, cousin, and friend, and urged the driver to come forward. A GoFundMe has been started to cover funeral expenses and transport his body back to Chicago. According to LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno, the crash sent Melesio airborne, and the incident remains under investigation.
The LAPD has emphasized the severity of hit-and-run cases, noting that 15 of the 29 traffic deaths in South L.A. this year involved hit-and-runs. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the suspect.