Fresno, TX — March 22, 2025, Deztiny Rodriguez was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 10:30 p.m. on Evergreen Street.

Authorities said a pedestrian was hit by a red Chevrolet Equinox while walking alongside the road near South Post Oak Boulevard. The SUV did not stop after the collision.

Pedestrian Deztiny Rodriguez, 18, was flown to a local hospital after the crash, but died the next day, according to authorities.

The driver who allegedly hit Deztiny Rodriguez surrendered to authorities the day after the crash. He has been charged with collision involving death, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Fort Bend County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the family of the pedestrian who was killed receives the answers they need. Hit-and-run incidents are especially painful for those left behind, not only because of the loss, but also because they initially leave so many questions unanswered. While the driver in this case later surrendered and now faces criminal charges, that alone doesn’t explain why the collision occurred or whether it could have been prevented. To fully understand what happened on Evergreen Street, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? While identifying the vehicle and its driver is a critical first step, understanding the circumstances leading up to the impact is just as important. Was the pedestrian walking along a shoulder, sidewalk or an unlit stretch of road? Was there adequate lighting in the area, and did the driver have a clear opportunity to see and avoid her? Were there other environmental or traffic-related factors involved? Reconstructing the scene — documenting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and analyzing sightlines — is essential to determining how the crash unfolded.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the incident? The Chevrolet Equinox should be examined to determine whether its headlights, brakes, steering or pedestrian detection systems were functioning properly at the time of the crash. If a mechanical or electronic system failed, that could have reduced the driver’s ability to avoid the collision, regardless of whether they were at fault for fleeing. Too often, once a driver is identified and charged, mechanical failures are no longer considered, and that can leave out a key piece of the picture.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Equinox is likely equipped with an engine control module that stores key pre-crash data—vehicle speed, throttle position, braking input, and steering angle. That data can help confirm whether the driver attempted to stop or avoid the pedestrian and how fast they were traveling. In addition, any nearby surveillance cameras or security footage could capture the moment of impact or the vehicle’s movements before and after the crash. If the pedestrian had a phone or wearable device, GPS data might also help reconstruct her path. This kind of evidence is time-sensitive and must be preserved quickly.

Even in cases where a suspect has been identified, crashes like this still demand a full and impartial investigation. A young woman lost her life, and her family deserves more than a prosecution. They deserve a full accounting of how and why this happened. By asking the right questions, examining the vehicle and collecting every available piece of evidence, we help ensure that nothing is overlooked, and that accountability is based on facts, not just assumptions.