WSVN — It was a deadly hit-and-run on Miami Beach that took the life of a father of four. Tonight, police with new surveillance video and a plea from his 10-year-old daughter, hoping for a break in the case. It’s tonight’s edition of the Lowedown. Here’s the nightteam’s Rosh Lowe.
Jessica Rodriguez: "I love my dad so much that he was always there for me when I needed him and whenever I get hurt .."
The tears of 10-year-old Jessica Rodriguez tell this story.
A little girl who can now only see him when she closes her eyes.
Jessica Rodriguez: "A few days ago, I was thinking about my dad and my eyes were shut closed. When I opened my eyes, I saw this big light filling the room. The room was really dark. I knew my dad was with me."
Her father, forty-eight-year-old Alfredo Rodriguez was hit and killed in Miami Beach when he was crossing Collins Avenue in the early morning hours of June 20th.
He was coming home from work. He cleaned restaurants for a living. Video released by police in late June shows a car speeding by with officers arriving just moments later.
Ezequiel Rodriguez: "The last time I saw him, I didn’t say by to him because we were going to a Father’s Day event. He couldn’t come because he had to go to work. That was the last time I saw him. I didn’t get to rush out and I didn’t get to say I love you and give him a kiss. That hurts a lot."
In fact Ezequiel, the 16-year-old had to go get a job to help out his family. His dad was the sole provider for this family. Just this past month local church had to donate money just so they could pay rent.
Alfredo was declared brain dead on Father’s Day. His family in a desperate state.
Estelita Rodriguez: "Financially, we are doing terrible. We have to ask others for help for all our bills."
Miami Beach Police also asking for help from you.
Capt. Henry Doce: "Please look at this family. It is heartbreaking to see them falling apart. It’s important to give them closure so they have some peace of mind."
Police have been just released one surveillance video. You can see the car speeding by on surveillance and the police responding.
In surveillance video that was just released by police, you can get a much better look at the car. It’s a 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander dark in color.
They have this car captured form several angles. Police are hoping with this new look that it will give them the break they need to catch a killer
Jessica Rodriguez: "It would mean to me a lot since I only had my dad for a few years of my life. I want this person to be found. It would be great for my family."
Jessica’s last image of her dad is this photograph from her fourth grade graduation.
A loving father was taken. This little girl hoping and praying that the person who took her dad away will be caught.
Jessica Rodriguez: "I don’t ask God for help and I just say thank you for giving me a great life, and I still have most of my family and I know my dad is watching over me."
If you recognize the vehicle, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
And if you’d like to help the family, a GoFUNDme account has been uploaded: https://www.gofundme.com/AlfredoRodriguez