Posted
by Brad Johnson
on Thu Jun 17, 2010
Last updated
Jun 17, 2010
33 year-old Richard Cobb died late last night from injuries he suffered Sunday night. Police say Cobb was driving his lawnmower on Jefferson Street in Mexico about 9:30 that night when a driver hit him.
Right now Mexico Public Safety Officials tell ABC 17 News they're trying to figure out who was driving the vehicle. Police confirmed to us local lawyer Jim Clampitt owns a vehicle that might have been involved in the crash. They weren't able to tell me if he was the driver.
We specifically asked if Clampitt is a suspect right now
"I'm saying a vehicle belonging to Mr. Clampitt is a vehicle we've looked in to, it's pretty much all I can say," Mexico Public Safety Major Brice Mesko tells us.
Mesko tells me Clampitt is considered a person of interest, and now they have to determine if he was the one driving. Witnesses tell us Richard Cobb was riding his lawnmower on the street, and when the vehicle approached it, Cobb waived his arm to tell the driver to go around. They say the driver of the vehicle didn't even slow down and hit Cobb.
"He was probably doing 40 to 45 mph but he wasn't like doing 60 he wasn't speeding real fast but he hit him hard enough it crunched his lawnmower," witness Mary Allen explains.
They say the vehicle didn't even attempt to stop. But Mexico Public Safety investigators say the investigation is hinging on one thing.
"The investigation is open, obviously identifying the vehicle we have suspect information as well and that's what we're working, to determine," Mesko says.
Mesko tells us once they collect enough evidence they will send it to the Audrain County prosecuting attorney. Investigators hope to have made a case by the end of the month.
Victim's Family Hopeful For Arrest
Richard Cobb's brother, Shawn Hill, tells ABC 17 News he is "confident in the justice system," and that Mexico police will track down the right person.
"We're all hurt over this," said Hill. "It was really devastating. I would just like to say I hope our local police department will do the right thing and catch the person."
The family told ABC 17 News the most difficult part in mourning the death of "Richie" is not knowing who hit him, and why that person did not do more to help.
"They may have stopped, I don't know for sure, but if they did, my brother could still be alive today," said Hill.
Cobb celebrated his wedding day last month and was the father of five kids.
The family will hold a candlelight vigil for Cobb Saturday night in Mexico.
