Fort Worth family pleads for hit-and-run driver who killed 13-year-old to ‘turn yourself in’
The family of a 13-year-old who was killed Thursday night in a hit-and-run is pleading for the driver to surrender and for anyone with information to come forward.
Apollo Rogers, a student at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, was walking home with his older sister following an after-school program and was in a crosswalk when Fort Worth police say he was hit by a white or light-colored Jeep Cherokee. The crash occurred in the 3700 block of Stalcup Road at the intersection with Berry Street in east Fort Worth.
Fort Worth police responded about 8 p.m. Nov. 14 to the vehicle-pedestrian crash and learned that the driver fled the scene immediately after striking the child. Police said their investigation found that the driver was speeding and ran a red light.
Fort Worth firefighters along with MedStar responded and transported the victim to Cook Children’s hospital, where he died. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office gave Rogers’ age as 12, but family members said he recently celebrated his 13th birthday.
Apollo’s stepmother, Terena Carter, told WFAA-TV the family’s message to the driver is, “Just please turn yourself in. Don’t live with the guilt of knowing that you have killed an innocent child.”
Apollo loved school, spending time outside, playing video games and especially being with his family, who are now in shock and disbelief, she said.
The family has a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral.
The Fort Worth Police Traffic Unit is investigating Rogers’ death and searching for the driver. Police said they’re reviewing surveillance video and data from license-plate readers.
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In a statement Fort Worth ISD officials confirmed that Rogers was a student in the district.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with the student and their family during this difficult time,” the district’s statement said. “In this moment of sorrow, we ask families for continued support for our campus community — our scholars and staff alike.”
Grief counselors were available on campus Friday morning to provide support and resources, school officials said.
