Mom opens up about son's death

D'Quan Armstrong killed 2 months ago in fatal hit-and-run

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A grieving mother is opening up about her son's tragic death.

Ebony Dixon lost her 14-year-old son, D'Quan Armstrong, two months ago when a hit-and-run driver killed him.

Just before 1 a.m. Aug. 24, Armstrong was riding a bicycle in the 9100 block of Sibbald Road.

Police said Lucious Hester, who was exceeding the posted speed limit at the time of the crash, struck Armstrong and his bicycle in the middle of the road. The bicycle broke into several pieces.

Police said Hester fled from the scene and made no immediate effort to call police or rescue.

On Thursday, officers arrested Hester, the man they believe was behind the wheel. They've charged Hester with leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

Dixon still leaves fresh flowers at the site of where Armstrong (pictured, right) died, but she said only this, it time feels different.

She's relieved to know that finally, someone is in jail for the crime.

"I feel like he should have been off the streets that night because it could have been someone else's kid," said Dixon.

Hester went before a judge Friday morning and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, plus driving with a suspended license.

Police said after hitting Armstrong, Hester (pictured, left) drove to a nearby home, changed shirts, then left, but was found later that night.

"It saddens me to know that my son was laying in a ditch," said Dixon. "I don't know who was there to help him. I've heard so many different stories about who was here, who was first on the scene."

Dixon said she still has unanswered questions about that night.

Even though the pain of losing Armstrong is still very real for her, Dixon said she is getting through. Her hope is that Armstrong will rest in peace and that he'll be remembered for who he was.

"We're very proud of him," Dixon said. "He was a good artist. He was very smart. He was a people person, an all-around great kid."


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.