GLENDALE, Ariz. — A Valley family is demanding justice for their 13-year-old son who was killed in a hit-and-run crash.
Elias Bizzle died on Tuesday after 12 days on life support.
The crash happened at the intersection of 47th and Northern Avenues in Glendale on April 11.
“Every day you wake up thinking you’re in a dream but everyday you’re back to the same nightmare," Elbert Bizzle, Elias's father, said.
Elias Bizzle was the youngest of for children. He was a student and athlete at Horizon Elementary School.
“He was playing sports, getting straight A's and was just one of the best kids ever in the world," Elbert Bizzle said.
Glendale Police said Elias Bizzle and his friends were crossing the street on their bikes when a car hit and seriously injured the teen.
The driver, identified as 27-year-old Joshua Holbert, initially took off, but was arrested after police seized his truck and searched his apartment, according to court records.
“You have this reckless person that just comes through and wrecks all of our lives," Elbert Bizzle said. “He thought he was going to get away with it but the community came together and the police did their job and they actually found this guy.”
Holbert, who has a history of reckless driving, pled not guilty. Court records reveal he admitted his involvement in the crash to police.
“We want these charges to be put to the max," Elbert Bizzle said.
Not only are the Bizzles seeking justice, but also safer streets for the community.
“Protect our kids, all of our children," Elbert Bizzle said.
The Bizzles said they don't want any other families to face the pain and suffering of losing a child to reckless driving.
“I want everyone to remember that he loved being a kid and I don’t want any of you kids to be afraid being a kid," Victoria Bizzle, Elias Bizzle's mother, said.
Holbert is scheduled to appear next in court in June.
Friends of the Bizzle family created a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical expenses. Donations can be made here.
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