Deltona, FL - Florida Highway Patrol says investigators are now calling the July 11 crash that killed a Deltona couple a hit and run, and their children are asking for the driver to step forward.
Troopers say 64-year-old Army veteran, David Roman and his wife, 57-year-old Minerva Barreto, died from injuries they sustained in a crash on I-4 just before 1:00 that morning. Initially, investigators were unsure of what caused the crash. But now state troopers are saying that a vehicle struck the couple's 2019 Toyota sedan before fleeing the scene eastbound. According to investigators, "red transfer paint," meaning paint from another car, was found on the couple's Toyota after the crash.
The children of the couple are expected to address the media alongside investigators and ask for tips on this case at FHP's Orlando headquarters. That's expected to begin at 10:30 Wednesday morning (July 21).
So far this year, FHP is investigating 16 fatal hit and run crashes that have occurred in Central Florida, and 67 that have occurred statewide.
Anyone with information on this crash or the other driver involved can contact the Florida Highway Patrol at (407) 737-2300. Tips can also be submitted through Crimeline by calling (800) 423-8477. Tips submitted through Crimeline could be eligible for up to a $5,000 reward.
