UPDATE — Jan. 3, 8:30 a.m. : Metropolitan Police say they have recovered a vehicle they believe is connected to a hit-and-run that killed a father of four, Story is developing.
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WASHINGTON — It’s a tragic start to 2016 for a Washington family, after a father of four was killed New Year’s morning.
Ian Jerome Butts, 36, was walking from a friend’s house sometime after midnight New Year’s morning when police say he was struck by a SUV.
D.C. police say his body was found lying along the side of the road at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue SE and C Street SE just after 4 a.m. First responders weren’t able to find any sign of life when they found him.
Police right now believe that he was crossing Minnesota Avenue SE at that intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. They say he was hit by a black or blue Chevrolet Equinox, around 2005 to 2007, traveling southwest on Minnesota Avenue SE.
“I just wish that he would have listened to me and just came on to church, like I told him,” Tjamanquie Moody, Butts’ wife, told told FOX 5. “He has kids out here that need him, babies, four kids, they need him, they need him.”
The vehicle left the scene of the crash, but police say it likely still has front end and windshield damage.
“We as a family here, we have a strong bond with God and with the police department. So we’re going to let the police department, and we’re going to let God work this thing out,” David Butts, the victim’s uncle, told the television station.
Police are looking for the driver or anyone with information about the driver to come forward or contact police by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
WTOP’s Dennis Foley contributed to this report
