The family of Haleymarie Marrero Meléndez, who died on May 31 after being struck on Puerto Rico’s PR-828 highway in Toa Alta, says it still has no justice more than five months later. She was a motorcyclist allegedly hit by an older vehicle that made an improper turn in front of the Palacios del Monte neighborhood.
The driver fled the scene. Her widower, Rafael Cruz, was traveling with her at the time and has had to seek help and support. Her father, Wilfredo Marrero, said the family is "totally devastated."
Her two children, ages 13 and 20, have suffered sleepless nights and tears. The family fears further delays in the investigation and says police told them the force is short on personnel. No one has been arrested.
Her father and brother urged the person involved to turn himself in; her father said, "I will not rest until this chapter closes." The owner of the older vehicle appeared at the Bayamón court prosecutor’s office with his lawyer and invoked his right not to testify. According to NotiCentro sources, he is a 42-year-old merchant from Bayamón.
Police are also investigating whether another person was involved. José Cruz Marrero, director of the Vega Baja Criminal Investigations Corps (CIC), said by phone the investigation is advanced and awaits DNA results to compare with evidence seized at the scene, including two vehicles, one parked near the site.