Rafael Valentin Barrera, 72, killed in pedestrian accident with truck with no brakes, driven by hit-and-run driver David Crisostomo, on South 35th Avenue in Phoenix

Modified Date: 
Tue, 12/16/2014 - 6:01am
Accident Date: 
Friday, December 5, 2014

Family of Phoenix hit-and-run victim Rafael Valentin Barrera speaks out

The victim's family mourns the fact that they did not get to say "goodbye" to him. "It could have [been prevented], but it wasn't," said another of Barrera's granddaughters, Juliana Valentin.
Rafael Valentin Barrera, 72, was walking home on the sidewalk along South 35th Avenue on December 5 when a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado struck and killed him. The truck had no brakes, and its driver, David Crisostomo, was using a string tied to the emergency brake to try to stop the vehicle, according to witness accounts. Phoenix Police arrested Crisostomo December 11 after he fled the crash scene. Crisostomo will likely be charged with manslaughter and felony hit and run. Valentin said the family has established an online fundraising account to help cover funeral expenses. Barrera's body will be returned to his native Mexico.
Topics: 
Hit and Run
People Involved: 
Rafael Valentin Barrera
David Crisostomo

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