On Monday, a grieving family became a step closer to justice. Florida Highway Patrol says they have arrested the man responsible for the death of John Vanwy.
The 54-year-old was killed on March 28 while riding his motorcycle near Rena Avenue South and 40th Street Southwest. Troopers say Jose Aguiar-Meza hit him with his pickup truck and then took off.
"All I want to know is why. Why did you leave? Accidents happen every day. The difference of you staying might have saved him." Mike Vanwy, John Vanwy's nephew, said.
Mike Vanwy says he is relieved to hear someone was arrested, but it doesn't take away the pain his family has felt these past six months.
"It's been very hard. Very emotional. I was starting to wonder if they were ever going to catch anybody."
John Vanwy's girlfriend, Lillie Walters, was also on the bike and survived. Mike Vanwy says she's still recovering from serious injuries and has spent 40 days in the hospital.
"She hasn't been able to come to work. We're just doing everything we can to support her," said Mike Vanwy.
Directly across from John Vanwy's memorial on 40th Street Southwest is another one. Kee Kee Shanks, 29, died in the same spot by a hit-and-run driver in October 2017. Police have still not found her killer.
"Luckily for us, we got closure today and they found somebody. But for that girl and her family, they still don't have answers," said Mike Vanwy.
FHP believes Aguair-Meza was driving a silver 2017 GMC Sierra Pickup Truck (Florida license plate 42A-WDT). Anyone with information on the vehicle's whereabouts or the crash is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol or Crimestoppers.