A decade without justice: Family of 14-year-old Port Charlotte hit-and-run victim speaks out

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

14-year-old Devin Federly was killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding his bicycle with friends in his Port Charlotte neighborhood in 2016, and his family is still seeking justice a decade later.

His aunt, Sharyl Federly, recounted the event, saying, "It could have been anybody's child, but it was ours." She described how Devin and his friends were waiting to cross the road when a truck bypassed a stopped vehicle and struck Devin, just a foot away from his friends.

Thursday marks a decade since Devin's death at Sheehan Boulevard and State Avenue in Port Charlotte.

Sharyl Federly reflected on the life Devin could have had, saying, "He would've been 24 now. Starting a career or maybe even a family."

The loss has been compounded by the absence of answers and justice, as Devin's sister Alyssa also lost her mother within six months of Devin's death.

Sharyl expressed the family's ongoing pain, stating, "Every time you see something or hear something that has to do with him, it brings it all back."

On Feb. 26, 2016, a driver possibly in an early 2000s two-door Chevy Silverado took Devin's life and drove away.

Sharyl Federly expressed frustration, saying, "Living their best life like they didn't end a child's life." Devin's grandmother, Rebecca Federly, shared the family's constant reminder of the tragedy, noting, "Noticing all the white trucks that pass you by thinking, was that him?"

Sharyl Federly pleaded for the driver to come forward, saying, "I want to know why. Why. If it was an accident, come forward." CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for anonymous tips leading to an arrest. Trish Routte from CrimeStoppers assured potential informants, "You're never going to have to give your name. You're never going to have to go to court or give a deposition."

Rebecca Federly, also Devin's aunt, emphasized that it will never be too late to come forward, while Sharyl Federly urged, "Do it for the money. Just give us some peace." Devin's family continues to beg for anyone with information to come forward, hoping for closure and justice.

Rebecca Federly said, "Please be careful. It could have been one of his friends. It's not the only time this has happened. It could have been an accident. But sometimes those are preventable. Be careful."

If you have information in this case, you are asked to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), on the P3 app, or on its website. You can remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

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