Arizona family seeks justice on son’s death anniversary
On the anniversary of their son’s death, the Bizzle family held a vigil at the same crosswalk where their loved one was killed.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s a day they can never escape.
The Bizzle family and dozens of others gathered at the same crosswalk where 13-year-old Elias Bizzle was killed by a hit-and-run driver a year ago, demanding justice and accountability on the anniversary of their loved one’s death.
“This will never go away,” said Elbert Bizzle. “They say time heals all wounds, not for us.”
Last year, Elias was riding his bike home with a group of friends just before sunset. The Glendale Police Department said Elias was in the crosswalk at 47th and Northern avenues when a truck crashed into him and then left the scene. Elias was rushed to the hospital. After 12 days on life support, he died from his injuries.
“It’s the worst thing to go through,” said Victoria Bizzle, Elias’s mother.
Elias was a 7th grader who loved to play sports and was a straight “A” student, according to his mom. Several of his friends around his age also attended Friday’s vigil to honor their friend.
The suspected driver was arrested two days after the accident. Police identified him as 27-year-old Joshua Holbert, who turned himself in. Holbert, who has a history of reckless driving, pled not guilty. Court records reveal he admitted his involvement in the crash to police.
While the family and community are calling for justice, they are also demanding change when it comes to these incidents. The Bizzles said they’ve been trying to get the state legislature to make the intersection where their son was hit safer and are asking for harsher penalties for those who commit hit-and-run crimes.
“I just want to try and prevent it as much as we can because this has been the worst year of my life,” Victoria said.