Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run, family wants driver to confess

Christopher McDowell walking down St. Johns Bluff struck and killed; driver didn't stop

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A grieving family is speaking out in hopes of getting the driver who killed their nephew to confess.

Christopher McDowell, 19, was killed while walking down the road early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The driver who hit McDowell did not pull over after hitting him and has not been caught, the FHP said in a press release Saturday afternoon.

McDowell was walking north on St. Johns Bluff Road at Lost Pine Drive around 3:30 a.m. Saturday when he was hit.

His body was found on the side of the road by an officer on patrol with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

FHP said the vehicle is an SUV or pick-up that is gray metallic or silver metallic.

The vehicle will have damage to the right front area and FHP needs the public help in identifying the vehicle and the driver.

George Gill

Christopher McDowell

is, McDowell's uncle, told Channel 4 that his family wants answers

"He was a promising young man. He had a whole life ahead of him," Gillis said.

"I don't look at them as a bad person. They were careless. So they need to come forward. That's all, they just need to come forward. Admit what they did."

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.


About the Authors:

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