Manor hit and run ruled a homicide
Police have now ruled the hit-and-run death of a 19-year-old Manor New Tech High School graduate a homicide. Investigators say they have evidence what happened was no accident.
Friday morning, Lea Franks momentarily held back her sorrow to make a plea to the person responsible for her 19-year-old son's death.
"I'm not going to choose to be bitter. I'm not going to choose to be angry. God would have me to forgive this person and I forgive this person and I do not want this person to be suffering with this guilt what has happened to my child,” said Franks.
Police say at 12:30 Wednesday morning a person in the Greenbury neighborhood of manor called to report a reckless driver who had struck multiple trashcans along Marie Lane.
Officers responded and discovered the body of Devon Sanders. Police have since upgraded the incident from a hit and run to homicide.
"We have reason to believe that there was some kind of intent involved,” said Sgt. Craig Struble.
Neighbors believe sanders knew the people involved and that at one point he was inside the vehicle. Witnesses describe that car as a two or four door black Cadillac.
"Should have damage to the front right passenger door and the window to that door should be shattered,” said Struble.
Sander's mother says her son had just graduated from Manor New Tech High School. He planned to attend the University of Houston in Victoria. It was one life goal he will never get the chance to fulfill.
"He'll never have children. He'll never have a family. I'll never get to see that, but I do want this person you have peace. I do want this person to come forward to take some responsibility has a child should not of had to die like this,” said Franks. "I feel that we do need some closure and I am begging and pleading with the community to pull together. We have to pull together and police our own and work with this Police Department."
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, August 3rd at the Manor New Tech High School cafeteria at 1 p.m. Students are welcome to attend.