Hit-run victim Willie Sulpacio
DALY CITY — The family of Filipino American hit-and-run victim William Sulpacio is appealing for the public’s help in finding the person involved in the fatal accident that took place in a busy Los Angeles freeway last November 30.
Local reports said Sulpacio, 31, had pulled over early Sunday morning to the shoulder of the southbound 405 Freeway near the Avalon Boulevard exit in Carson, southern California because of car trouble.
Sulpacio, who moved to Buena Park from Guam to join his siblings, may have been hit by another car as he stepped out to check what’s wrong, investigators theorized. The driver of the vehicle that hit him then fled the scene.
The incident was reported about 2:25 a.m. Sunday morning. Cyndy C. Sulpacio, the victim’s sister, created an online site seeking information from witnesses who may have seen what happened as well as to appeal for assistance to help defray William’s burial expenses. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the fund campaign has generated $7,490 nearly half of the $15,000 target.
“Please keep sharing [information] and hopefully we can find the person who was responsible for my brothers passing,” Cyndy said in the Facebook site. (Contact the South Los Angeles CHP Office at 310-516-3355.)
“Me and my family can’t express how grateful we are for all the generous donations we have received so far,” Cyndy Sulpacio said. “Please know that your thoughts and prayers have been a great source of comfort during this difficult time.”
Local TV network NBC-4 Los Angeles reported Monday that a witness told the California Highway Patrol seeing a man checking for damage to his vehicle on the side of the road around the time of the accident.
Investigators described the suspect vehicle as an older model Ford sedan, white or tan in color, with major damage to the right side. They said the vehicle could also have traces of black paint, transferred from the car he hit
Sulpacio’s sisters spoke with NBC-4 Monday, describing their older brother as someone who was always the life of the party.
“He walks into the room and he’s just like ‘hey everybody!'” said Christine Sulpacio, who fought back tears. “If anyone knows him, they know he likes to make people laugh,” said Sulpacio’s other sister, Cindy.
The sisters said they had just spent the Thanksgiving holiday with their brother. “My heart dropped,” said Cindy Sulpacio told NBC-4. “I was just lost for words. I couldn’t believe it.”
Investigators searched the freeway for hours Sunday morning, but were unable to find any evidence leading them to any clues. The next day, they announced a witness had come forward with a suspect vehicle description.
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