Honda Accord sought after 16-year-old Josiah Stayner killed near Highway 50 in Placerville
PLACERVILLE — The search for a killer is underway after a teenager died following a hit-and-run in Placerville.
It was Monday near Highway 50 and El Dorado Road that the body of 16-year-old Josiah Stayner was found in a median, according to CHP Placerville. The teen was later pronounced dead at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.
His parents Nathan and Destiny Stayner, who called him Jo, are desperately seeking answers to this question: who is responsible for their son's death?
"I don't understand how anybody could be so heartless and ruthless to just keep driving," said Nathan, Jo's father. "Just keep driving. How does somebody do that?"
Investigators said the suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2008-2012 white Honda Accord, possibly with damage to the front and a missing side mirror.
"[The driver needs] to do what's right, step up and accept responsibility," Nathan said.
At 16 years old, Jo loved his family fiercely and had a passion for music - his outlet - and how he wanted to create change in the world through his art.
He was a good kid, protective of his three siblings, including a twin sister.
"He had an amazing spirit. It's all I can say. He was just amazing," Nathan said.
Just days before this tragedy, another struck the Stayner family. They were evicted from their home near the Divide. It was a hardship that weighed heavily on Jo.
"We just want to go home, but there is no home," said Destiny, Jo's mother.
It's why the family says Jo went on a walk to clear his head, from the Placerville hotel where they've stayed the past few nights, when he was hit.
"As long as we stick together through this trying time, we will make it through," Nathan said. "I don't see how right now, but I know we will."
CHP Placerville is asking anyone with information on the driver to call them.
An online fundraiser has seen more than $6,000 donated so far to help lay Josiah to rest.
