A Mother Pleads For Information On Her Son's Killer
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A mourning mother, speaks for the first time, pleading to the public to give information on the driver who hit and killed her 15-year old son earlier this month in Fort Lauderdale.
"I know somebody saw something," said Diana Romero Castro, the mother of the victim.
Family and friends of Justin Flowers, 15, gathered with flowers and posters Friday, closed to the spot where he lost his life to a hit and run driver February 9th. They are also seeking "Justice for Justin," pleading for the driver responsible for the deadly hit and run to come forward.
"I miss him so much that even in school when I turn around, I have a bad face because I miss him," said Flowers' sister Lea Castro.
"Whoever did this, we all make mistakes. That's what life is about and life is all on emotions but at the end of the day you know what you did. You know who you are and this is all justice for Justin," said Flowers' cousin Saul Anya.
Flowers' mother told CBS4's Joan Murray, her son's death still isn't real.
"A mother has to go through this to understand me because it's not the same. You know you lose a father you are an orphan. You lose you're husband, you are a widow but when you lose your son, there is not a name for that," said Castro.
Flowers was crossing Broward Boulevard at 27th Avenue on February 9th just after 1 a.m. when he was struck by what police described as an older model, dark-colored Jeep Cherokee possibly with tinted windows and a luggage rack.
The Jeep was traveling west in the left lane of West Broward Boulevard, when Flowers was crossing the street. As Flowers walked through the center westbound lane, the driver of the Jeep inexplicably changed lanes and struck him.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 5: 00 p.m. at 2700 W Broward Boulevard.
His fellow students were stunned by the news when they returned to class the next day.
"Who ever did that needs to pay. He never did anything to hurt anybody. He would just stick with his friends, stick to himself and that's just about it," said Flowers' friend Jonathan Brimlow.
"It's bad," said Taravella High student Kean Cardola. "The world is getting dangerous."
Earlier this month, the family, friends and classmates of Flowers wore blue shirts to honor him.
Cardola said some students chose to wear blue because it was Flowers' favorite color. Cardola said Flowers and he went to the same gym.
"I think it's messed up and my prayers go out to his family," said student Jaide Humes.
Que Morales-Shakoor said he couldn't believe the driver didn't stop and left Flowers in the street to die.
"That's rude, that's disrespectful, it's disheartening that that would happen. You know by now that stuff should be done with, it should be over. It's sad," said Que Morales-Shakoor.
On the evening of February 9th, family members and friends gathered at the intersection where he died to hold a candle-light vigil in his memory.
"He was smart. He was funny, always trying to make people laugh," recalled Justin's sister Tatyana Flowers, 19.
"He loved basketball, he obeyed his mom, followed Christ. He's involved in a lot of church activities," added Flowers' cousin Jermaine Jones.
Police say the Jeep involved in the accident may be visible damage to the right front, side and/or windshield area.Ft. They're urging anyone with information on the driver of the Jeep to come forward.
"It's extremely alarming to know that this individual is okay with resting at night knowing they struck and killed someone," said Ft. Lauderdale police spokeswoman Det. Deanna Greenlaw.
"I just want to say if you've seen anything that happened to my little brother, please just come forward. If it was your little brother, you would want someone to come forward," said Flowers through tears. "I just want whoever who hurt my little brother to be behind bars or whatever consequences and punishment come their way come their way because this is not justice this isn't right."
Anyone with information is asked to call Traffic Homicide Investigator Cheri Creque at (954) 828-5825 or email.
A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible.