MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police are searching for a suspect and their vehicle after authorities say the driver hit and killed a 23-year-old pedestrian near Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
The incident happened around 12:34 a.m. near 6th and Juneau. Police said the suspect's vehicle was heading northbound on North 6th Street when they hit the pedestrian.
Police said the victim was crossing the street in the crosswalk when the driver ran the red light and struck him, police said.
The driver of the vehicle drove off without stopping to help the victim. Police said the vehicle was last seen speeding northbound on 6th north of McKinley.
The vehicle is described as a black, 2021-2022 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX, with amber lights in the hood scoop, flashing amber lights on both side mirrors, and possibly flashing headlights. The vehicle should have front-end damage, police said in a statement.
Police released the following photos:
Family identified the victim as 23-year-old Xaiver Casanova Davis.
Xaiver's mother, Gloria Shaw, told TMJ4 News that her son wanted to be a photojournalist and that he was planning to start classes at MATC this winter.
"He had his whole life ahead of him and whoever it was just took it," said Shaw.
Casanova was taken to Froedtert where he died from his injuries.
"Turn yourself in, please. You killed my heart, you took an amazing young man from his family, you took an amazing person with the most giving heart, with the kindest spirit, and you took him from me. Please turn yourself in," said Shaw.
Milwaukee police said the suspect vehicle was a black pickup truck with a lift on it.
"I hope that you know justice is served for her family and her son. He does not deserve that at all," Danielle Eager said.
Eager didn't know Davis but took the news hard. She and her family were hit by a car at the same intersection in 2019.
The family was heading to a show at Fiserv Forum when a car ran into them and then took off. Eager said her son died but was revived. She was angry to hear it happened again.
"That mom, I can only imagine what she was feeling and especially when someone is so careless. It's really heartbreaking for that family that they have to go through that," Eager said.
Eager's family is still dealing with the physical and emotional impact nearly three years later.
"It's a struggle for our family. You know, it's traumatizing," Eager said. "The guy who hit us only got three years and I think we need harsher punishments for people that do this."
As investigators work to track down the person who hit Davis, Eager encouraged people to spread the word.
"The more you share, the more it gets out there and the more you're going to see it. This guy is gonna get caught eventually," Eager said.
There have been 10 fatal hit and runs so far this year, according to Milwaukee police. In 2021, there were 12. In 2020, MPD reported 16 fatal hit and runs and in 2019 there were nine.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
