Police investigate body found in DeLand as fatal hit-and-run

DELAND, Fla. — A newspaper courier called 911 after finding a body in a DeLand neighborhood Saturday, but investigators said they aren't sure how the man died.
 
The courier found the body near the intersection of North Clara and West Michigan avenues, according to officials. Investigators said the courier believes the victim was hit by a car and left for dead.
 
Police said the victim was dragged between 50 and 60 feet. Police have not been able to track down the man's family because he has not yet been identified.
 
"What about the family? You know. You can't. How? What an awful thing to do," resident Mary Lee Adler said.
 
Police reports describe the victim as a Hispanic man about 30 years old. The courier said the victim was fully clothed and wearing work boots.
 
Neighbors said they hope investigators find out how he died and who is responsible.
 
"I do, not because I live here and I'm afraid of anything, because I'm not. It's because of his family," Adler said.
 
Police said they're investigating the death as a fatal hit-and-run, but they're waiting on an autopsy to determine the man's exact cause of death.

Cox Media Group