The ongoing investigation into a deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 71-year-old Delray Beach man has hit a bottleneck, with police awaiting DNA analysis before they can proceed with an arrest. Romeo Della Valle was tragically struck by a car while crossing a street a month ago, with the force of the impact hurling his body to the sidewalk, an atrocity caught by an onlooker who saw the sedan flee with its lights off immediately after the crash.
Delray Beach police discovered the suspect's vehicle two days post-incident, but, as per a Newsbreak report, DNA evidence essential to the case has not been processed even one month following the crash, according to police spokesman Ted White. White indicated that the analysis "could take weeks or months," leaving the family agonizing over the prolonged wait for any semblance of closure.
Romeo's daughter, Sarah Della Valle, voiced her dismay over the delay, stating it was "unbelievable" and "frustrating" that the person responsible could spend Thanksgiving with their family while she could not with her father. She told WPTV, "I just don't think it's fair that the person who killed my father was able to spend Thanksgiving with their family; I wasn't able to spend Thanksgiving with my dad. And they're just out there living every day."
Amidst suffering and seeking justice, Remulus Della Valle, Romeo's identical twin brother, also shared reflections of his brother as a man who cherished writing poems and painting and described him as smart, thoughtful, and easygoing. These sorrowful revelations came from a family still in the throes of grief, with Remulus admitting to Newsbreak, "It's hard to recover from such a loss...It's something unexpected. It's hard to get over."
Residents of Della Valle's neighborhood expressed profound loss, remembering him fondly. Mohammad Karim, co-owner of a local mini-mart, recalled how Della Valle would bring "a smile and conversation" into his store, expressing deep sorrow to WPTV upon learning of his death. Likewise, neighbor Shiwanda Yorker described the victim as "awesome" and well-liked in the community. "He's an awesome man, awesome man," Yorker said. "He's just running from work... take care of his wife. That's all he wants to do," although it was later clarified by the family that Romeo Della Valle was not married at the time of his death.
While the family and community yearn for justice, the DNA evidence that holds the key to potential closure remains mired in a backlog, with the judicial wheels grinding frustratingly slowly for those left behind. The crash occurred on Southwest 10th Avenue, a location frequented by Romeo, not far from where he resided. With the investigation ongoing, the Delray Beach Police urge anyone with information on the incident to come forward, as they look to expedite the process that might bring an end to a family's anguished wait.
