Memphis Family Seeks Justice for Brother Tragically Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

Memphis Family Remembers Beloved Brother Lost to Tragic Hit-and-Run

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The air was filled with a mix of pain and remembrance as a family gathered to honor the memory of Jesus Arellano, a young man whose life was cut tragically short in a hit-and-run incident last December. This emotional gathering took place on a chilly day, with temperatures hovering around 43°F, the NNW winds carrying a sense of quiet sorrow as they brushed past the grieving family. As the sun peeked through the clouds, it mirrored the glimmer of hope that somehow, justice would be served.

Struck by Unimaginable Loss

“Once they’re gone, it’s the worst feeling ever because you are never going to see them again,” sobbed Elizabeth Arellano, the sister of the deceased. Her voice trembled with grief as she recounted the moments that changed their family forever. Just shy of his twenty-first birthday, Jesus was a vibrant soul with dreams and aspirations that will now remain unfulfilled.

The pain is still fresh for the Arellano family. “The past year has been difficult, and we still feel the weight of our loss,” Elizabeth shared. “It’s hard to believe he’s really gone.”

Heartbreaking Circumstances

The tragedy unfolded on the morning of December 11, 2023, around 5:00 a.m., when Jesus and his friends were returning home from a party. After being involved in an accident near the Walnut Grove exit of I240, Jesus exited his vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, to assess the situation. In a tragic twist, he was struck by another car, described by witnesses as a gray Infiniti, which didn’t even stop to help. The impact was fatal, leaving Jesus lying on the road while a female passenger in his car suffered serious injuries.

A Family’s Plea for Justice

Standing alongside her grieving relatives, Maria Arellano, another sister of Jesus, stated, “How do you live with that guilt and not stop?” She expressed her frustration and heartache over the thoughtless actions of the driver who fled the scene. “It’s not fair you took something so important from us. Every day we hope he will come home, but deep down we know he won’t.”

Maria painted a portrait of her brother as a kind-hearted individual who always lent a hand to those in need. She recalled the brave journey their family made from Mexico to Memphis, highlighting the sacrifices that paved the way for their lives in America.

Messages of Love and Remembrance

As the family weaved through their memories, they took a moment to send a heartfelt message to Jesus. “Just be careful, and beware of those bad friends,” Maria said, her voice filled with emotion. “And we miss you. Hope you are okay up there.”

Continued Search for Answers

In the wake of their loss, the Arellano family is not only grappling with grief but is also desperately seeking justice. Memphis Police are actively investigating the incident and are appealing to the community for help. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

As the clouds shift and the sun shines through, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Arellano family that they’ll get the answers they so deeply seek. They want closure—not just for the heart-wrenching loss of Jesus, but to ensure that what happened to him doesn’t occur to anyone else.

A Community United in Support

With the memories of their beloved brother still fresh, the family stands united in their desire for accountability. They remind everyone to cherish their loved ones and to always remain vigilant on the roads. After all, every moment counts, and a life cut short is a reminder of how precious and fragile life truly is.