Father pleads for driver who killed his son in a hit and run to come forward

SHELBY COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – “Please come forward,” were the exact words a tearful father had to say to the person responsible for killing his son.

Joshua Nathan Turner died after getting hit by a car on State Road 9 near CR 950S around 9:45 p.m. Monday night. It was his 20th birthday.

His father, also named Joshua Turner, said he can’t sleep or eat since the incident, and he imagines that’s how the driver might feel. But he’s hopeful that person is also feeling enough guilt to do what’s right and turn him or herself in to police.

“I just don’t understand how a person could just disrespect human life like that,” Turner said.

The pain in his eyes said it all, a father grieving over his son of the same name who took his last breath last night. “He’s just big hearted, he just wanted the best for everybody,” he said of his son.

Turner said his son was riding in a truck coming home from work when he climbed on top of it as a joke.

He said as his son tried getting back in through the window, he fell into the road. He said his son’s driver pulled over right away.

“Another passenger in the car told me at the scene that he seen him get up and that’s when he was struck,” he said.

Investigators say the vehicle that struck Turner’s son was northbound on State Road 9. Investigators don’t know if it was a car or a truck or a van because the driver never stopped.

“They wouldn’t have saved him if they stopped but it would give me, the family, the closure we need to know what happened,” Turner said.

“I was out here quite a bit last night,” said Joe Gillis who lives near the intersection. “I was the one that found (Turner) and heard the thump.”

Gillis said he rushed outside and called 911 and stayed outside for several hours as investigators worked into the night. Tuesday afternoon, he showed the younger Turner’s ex-fiancé where the body was found.

A family friend put flowers near the intersection. Hours later, another group put in a cross. Gillis said he promised to watch over the memorial.

“It’s really sad. I just hope they get caught,” Gillis said.

Turner knows an arrest won’t bring back his son but at the very least it could bring his family justice.

“I just want closure and if anybody can help, just please do the right thing,” he said. “That’s all I ask.”

Anyone with information that could help lead to an arrest can call the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department at 317-398-6661.

Turner’s family set up a Gofundme page to help pay for his funeral services. Click here if you’d like to make a donation.