JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville family is pleading for answers, one month after their loved one was found dead behind a Walgreens on Merrill Road in Arlington.
Brandon Venegas, a 40-year-old father and the youngest of three brothers, was walking home the night of Memorial Day when he was struck and killed in a hit-and-run, according to police.
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Now, the family says with few answers from police, they’re turning to the public for help.
“He wanted to go really quick and grab something from the store and come back,” said David Venegas, Brandon’s brother. “Wrong place, wrong time, I think.”
The shortcut Brandon took that night behind the Walgreens, David says, is a common cut-through used by neighborhood residents. It was a familiar walk for Brandon that turned fatal.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says it’s investigating the case but has released limited information so far.
Three weeks after the incident, investigators shared surveillance footage showing a white mid-sized SUV driving through the area. The vehicle is believed to be connected to the case.
“They showed an abstract vehicle... you can’t really make out anything about a mile down the road,” David said. “It doesn’t give us peace. It doesn’t help us do anything or have the community help, because they haven’t released anything.”
The family says Brandon was last seen near the Publix at the intersection of Merrill and Townsend, across the street from where his body was later found.
Loved ones have made custom T-shirts that say “RIP G”, a nickname many used for Brandon, and gathered for an interview with News4JAX wearing them in solidarity.
“We’re wearing these in support and solidarity, and hopefully we can find some info,” David said.
Brandon’s mother, Shelly Jimenez, is leaning on her faith and is calling on the person responsible to come forward.
“Whoever did this to my son, my baby, you ruined our world,” she said. “Just tell who you are. Give it up, because God knows who you are, and they will find you. I love you, Brandon Venegas. We won’t stop.”
When News4JAX asked JSO why the surveillance footage and vehicle description were released weeks after the incident, a spokesperson said only that the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about what happened to Brandon Venegas is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500. You can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.