Family pleads for driver to come forward after fatal hit-and-run

Published On: Nov 22 2012 01:37:24 AM EST

Loved ones of a man struck and killed in a hit-and-run driver in northeast Baltimore are pleading for the driver to come forward.

Relatives described Delma Leroy "Lee" Barnes as an aspiring businessman about to open his own convenience store.

"He would give you his last penny in his pocket. He done (sic) so many tremendous great things for people," said Celeste Ireland, Barnes' sister.

They said the 35-year-old dedicated father and grandfather to five children was always smiling and laughing.

"He was funny. He played jokes all the time," said Barnes' fiance, Laticia Hill. "He put everything together. From birthday parties to family functions (and) any holiday, everybody knew that Lee was going to be there."

Barnes' life came to an end at about 1:45 a.m. Saturday in northeast Baltimore when he was struck by a car at the Shell gas station near the corner or Frankford Avenue and Sinclair Lane. Relatives said Barnes got out of a car driven by a friend and walked into the store to buy water.

Someone struck Barnes and took off as he walked back to the car.

"We're just having a really, really hard time with dealing with someone so nice and sweet (as) he was that did so much for people, that wouldn't even hurt nobody, that died such a hideous and senseless death," Ireland said.

Relatives said they believe the driver of the car intentionally hit Barnes, but police would not confirm that.

Police said detectives are reviewing surveillance video in the area, and they're interviewing potential witnesses.

"We hope justice is found, and we find out who did this to my brother because it's really sad, and it really did a toll on our family," said Malieka Barnes, Barnes' sister. "I hope they find the killer. I hope they find who did it to my brother.

Police said the car fled north on Frankford Avenue and that two women were inside. Police described the car as a black four-door Mazda with Maryland license plates with a partial number of 5183 or 5189.


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