LODI, Calif. — A Lodi family is pleading for justice as they prepare to bury a beloved father, brother, and son. Two weeks after 41-year-old Eddie Grant's sudden death, the search for the person responsible is still on.
Candles were still flickering Saturday off 99 Frontage Road near Eight Mile Road, but for Adam and Angela Vasquez, the pain burns steadily.
"The last image I have of him is being in the ambulance going to San Joaquin General Hospital," said Grant's stepfather Adam Vasquez.
Grant was released from prison just months ago after serving time for theft and receiving a stolen car.
"He was very, very funny," said his mother Angela Vasquez describing him also as generous, loving and hardworking. "He told me, 'Mom, when I get out, it's going to be God, my kids, and a job. God, my kids, and a job-- in that order.'"
Grant never got that second chance. His mom says he was walking home just after 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 along 99 Frontage Road, just north of Eight Mile Road.
"The SUV was traveling south, hit him, and slowed down, then made a U-turn," said Adam.
In one word, the area where the deadly hit-and-run crash happened is desolate. Even during daylight, just an occasional car passes by on the frontage road, and vineyards are on the other side of the walkway.
Family members are hoping that one person with one piece of information might come forward to help bring them closure.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the California Highway Patrol.
"If we don’t know who or why, even, then we’re always going to have that question," said Adam.
But even at a time when justice seems as tragically distant as their loved one, the idea of mercy is starting to flicker.
"I've already, in my heart, forgiven that person. I don’t hold anything against them. Maybe they were scared, and so they took off," said Angela. "I just miss my son and I know that one day, because I do trust and believe in God, I’ll see him again. That's my main hope."
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