WEST PARK, Fla. – A 33-year-old man with autism who was known as the “neighborhood friend” was struck and killed Friday morning in what is being investigated as a hit-and-run crash, the man’s mother said.
Renita Nealy identified her son as Diontre Cheffon Nealy.
“He was autistic. He was a neighborhood friend of everybody,” she said. “He’s not going to do no harm to anybody. I just want justice for my son.”
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives believe the man was hit by a Mercedes that would have damage to the front passenger side.
They believe he may have been lying in the street in the area of Southwest 42nd Avenue and 20th Street in West Park for an unknown reason when he was hit.
“The preliminary investigation reveals that at around 6 a.m. this morning, the victim was possibly lying in the roadway when a vehicle believed to be a 2017 or newer model Mercedes Benz heading southbound struck the victim and left the scene,” BSO spokesman Carey Codd said.
Per family, victim is a 33-year-old man with autism. Mother says he was known as the “neighborhood friend.” Detectives with @browardsheriff believe he was hit by a 2017 newer model Mercedes w/ damage to front passenger side. @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/PT7hNa0Guu
— Trent Kelly (@TrentKellyWPLG) August 13, 2021
The crash happened in a residential neighborhood just a few blocks south of Pembroke Road.
Renita Nealy said Diontre lived around there and was well known to many of the residents.
“Everybody loved him,” she said. “I just want justice, so whoever did it come forward. Somebody’s going to come clean about it. People talk in Harvard Ranches. I’m gonna know. I want justice for my son.”
About 45 minutes after the crash was believed to have happened, Nealy‘s body was found by a man on a bicycle who called 911.
Renita Nealy said she believes her son was on his way home this morning when he was hit.
Some car parts and a pair of shoes remained in the street near the body Friday morning.
Investigators taped off the street as they searched for clues that could lead them to whoever was behind the wheel.
“Detectives want to speak to the driver. They want to get that driver’s side of the story,” Codd said. “Of course, in Florida, the law requires you to remain on scene if you are involved in a traffic crash.”
If you have any information, you are urged to call Broward CrimeStoppers at 954-493-8477.
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