Man accused of killing teen in crash turns himself in more than 17 hours after crash, docs show

FRESNO, Texas (KTRK) -- Darius Dickerson, 34, has been charged in connection with the hit-and-run death of 18-year-old Deztiny Rodriguez, who was struck while walking with her boyfriend on Evergreen Street. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. last Saturday, and Dickerson turned himself in more than 17 hours later at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

Surveillance footage captured the moment Dickerson's SUV sped past Rodriguez's boyfriend, 17-year-old Aaron Felix, who ran to assist her. Tragically, Rodriguez's body was found in a ditch after the impact. Felix reported that Dickerson briefly paused after hitting Rodriguez to inspect his vehicle before fleeing the scene.

After the accident, Dickerson allegedly told authorities he saw a person but denied hitting anyone and claimed he stopped further down the road without returning to the crash site. Rodriguez's mother, Lupe Vazquez, expressed her frustration over the situation, questioning how someone could leave her daughter for dead and only report the incident the next day.

Dickerson has since been released on bond, facing charges of "collision involving death." Many of Rodriguez's family and friends are outraged that he is not charged with more serious offenses, such as manslaughter or failure to render aid. Vazquez described her daughter as a warrior who was known for fighting for justice and helping others.

Rodriguez was a student at Progressive High School and just months away from graduating with plans to enlist in the military. Her friend Mykayla King mournfully noted that they should be preparing for graduation rather than planning a funeral. Felix stated that the fight for justice for Rodriguez is just beginning, as her loved ones seek accountability for her tragic death.