Man intentionally struck and killed by a Phoenix driver, PD says
PHOENIX - A 35-year-old man is dead, and Phoenix detectives are looking into who killed him and why.
On Dec. 27, Phoenix Police Sgt. Rob Scherer says Ethan Jaaziel Felix, 35, was intentionally struck by a driver around 7:30 p.m. near 16th Street and Thomas Road.
"When officers arrived, they located an adult male with serious injuries. The man was transported to a nearby hospital where he did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The initial investigation revealed that the victim was intentionally struck with a vehicle driven by an unknown suspect. The suspect took off from the area after a short period of time," Sgt. Scherer said.
Homicide detectives are investigating Felix's death.
Anyone with information is asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Ethan Jaaziel Felix
Grieving family wants answers
Felix's family says he leaves behind five kids, and they're all working to comfort each other during this time of loss.
On that fateful night, Felix's girlfriend called his family, telling them he had been stabbed right in front of his apartment complex off 16th Street and Thomas Road, then hit by a car.
Police have not been able to confirm to FOX 10 if Felix was stabbed. Ultimately, he died at the hospital from his injuries.
Brian and Brenda Felix say their son was a peaceful person and that people really enjoyed being around him at the apartment complex for almost three years.
The family says while nothing will bring Felix back, a suspect in custody would help to bring some closure.
Brenda recalls the moment she got the news no parents wants to get.
"Just start screaming 'We gotta go, Ethan's been stabbed, they said Ethan's been stabbed,'" she said.
"Just like a loud scream and I looked up, what was going on and my wife was frantically running into the room, then back out of the room," Brian said. "It's just hard to understand why someone would want to attack my son."
Brenda recalls rushing to the hospital and trying desperately to see her son.
"Need to see my baby, I need to see my baby," Brenda said.
His family and friends remember him as a kindhearted person, always willing to go the extra mile and help others.
"He was a ball of electricity. Always moving around, smart, intellectual, liked to read, study his bible, loved his children. He helped to raise mine," his older brother Breon Felix said.