Man Charged In Deadly NE Philadelphia Hit-And-Run
By Rahel Solomon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that happened in Northeast Philadelphia early Tuesday morning.
Police believe excessive speed and the weather were factors.
The victim's wife says the victim was waiting at this bus stop to go home after work, and never made it.
In the harsh light of day, the scope of a violent fatal hit and run is clear.
The victim was 50-year-old Alejo Molina. Family members say he had just left work, it was raining hard, and he was waiting for the 58 bus.
Molina never caught that bus and never made it to his wife and two children. He was less than a mile away.
"Rest in peace baby, I love you , you were such a strong man, such a wonderful father and I will miss you and I love you to the moon and back," said Christie Silva, the victim's wife.
Police say the driver, identified as 35-year-old John Cook, ran off on foot, but after seeing morning news coverage of the wreck turned himself in.
"One thing that he did tell us that was very important, he told us he was driving the vehicle and he was responsible," said Captain John Wilczynski of the Philadelphia Police department.
Cook's confession was a major development for the investigation, but provided little consolation for a family still left wondering why.
"My son is two, he probably thinks his dad is still working but I don't know much longer that can be," said Christie Silva.
Police say Cook turned himself in wearing the same bloody clothes from the accident and had also suffered some head injuries.
He is charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, causing an accident while not properly licensed and fleeing the scene of an accident where death results.
