East Palo Alto authorities and the community remain in search of any information leading to the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of local man D’Andre Stamper. According to a Chief's Community Update released by the East Palo Alto Police, Stamper was struck and killed in front of his Kavanaugh Drive residence on July 28, 2023. In an effort to quickly apprehend the suspect, officials publicly shared surveillance footage depicting the suspect vehicle.
The unsolved case continues to emotionally wrench the victim's family, which hopes that the fresh set of images will swiftly capture the culprit. D’Andre's mother, Andrea Williams-Johnson, deeply affected by the loss, has been tending to a memorial site at the location of her son's tragic demise. "A big part is gone from all of us. He was the life of the party," Williams-Johnson said, as per an interview with KTVU. She and the family are seeking closure and believe that bringing the perpetrator to justice is a crucial step.
The family remembers Stamper for his vitality and his love for dance. Excelling academically, he had received a full scholarship for college, after which he juggled several part-time jobs, including working at an elementary school, a bank, and Home Depot. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious, with reports indicating Stamper might have been lying in the street before the collision, raising questions about his mental health at the time.
The pain of the loss is palpable with D’Andre's sister, Dania Stamper, recounting their last memories together and describing it as his "happiest moment." The family, to honor his memory and his love for the community, has dreams of establishing a roller skating rink, a project Stamper had aspired to realize. As the investigation presses on with no arrests made, the community has planned to honor his memory by dedicating a memorial bench at Stamper’s alma mater, Eastside College Preparatory School, according to KTVU’s report.
While the search for the driver continues, local law enforcement implores the community to act responsibly during the holiday season, urging drivers to avoid operating vehicles under the influence and suggesting the use of ride-sharing services as an alternative. The East Palo Alto Police have reiterated their commitment to keeping the community safe and to holding those responsible for such tragic incidents accountable.
