SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) - An East Texas family is offering $10,000 to anyone who can help find the person who may have struck and killed their father.
Troopers say the man that owns the truck that hit and killed Johnston is most likely in Mexico.
The hit and run accident happened here -- as Johnston was turning into his driveway off highway 64 in April.
"Want justice and if money talks, that's the way we're going to get it," says Kody Johnston, the son of Jacky Johnston.
Kody Johnston is hoping a cash reward will draw attention to help DPS Troopers capture and convict the person who hit his father, and drove away on April first.
"I remember the good things. My dad was one of the best people I've ever known in my life. And that's what keeps me going. That's what drives me and pushes me to do what I do everyday," says Johnston.
Johnston's father, Jacky, known by loved ones as "ZZ," was pulling into his driveway off Highway 64 near County Road 292 when troopers say someone driving a truck struck ZZ on his motorcycle.
A cross marks where he died.
"Utilizing all the investigative tools that the troopers had available to them," says Trooper Jean Dark.
Investigators have been able to identify the truck that may have been involved thanks to a gas station video camera and witnesses.
The owner of the 1999 black ford F-250 is Eduardo Viramontes.
"It does not confirm he was actually driving the truck at the time the accident happened," says Trooper Dark.
Trooper Dark says he's believed to be in Mexico.
"I understand he has family in the country, if he comes back, that may be an opportunity," says Johnston.
An opportunity for information from the last person that may have seen ZZ alive.
"What happened 3 months ago, probably one of the most horrible things occurred in my life," says Johnston.
The family is shelling out $10,000 of their own money, and holding a benefit on October 6th in hopes of recouping some of the cash.
And they're urging anyone who may have information on Viramontes to contact DPS and help them find justice for ZZ.
