Neighbors urge fatal hit-and-run driver to turn himself into police
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee Police are still searching for the man involved in the hit-and-run crash that killed 43-year-old Monica Hernandez and injured her 13-year-old son.
Juan Mata-Chavez is wanted on two felony charges including one for a hit-and-run causing a death and the second for driving with a revoked license causing a death.
Some residents on Milwaukee's South Side say they are still on edge as police continue to search for Mata-Chavez.
"It's a little unnerving to think that you're not safe to walk around in your own neighborhood,” said 12th District Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West, who attended a vigil on Monday night for Hernandez.
CBS58 went to Mata-Chavez’s home on south12th street to see if his family would talk to us, but we were faced with two "no trespassing" signs.
A neighbor, who didn’t want to be identified, says she immediately recognized his face when she saw his picture on the news.
"I was surprised,” she said. “I was surprised, very surprised. I have known them for like 13 years. They are good people."
Mike Solomko also lives on south 12th street and he says while he's friendly with a man who lives at Mata-Chavez' home, he also believes justice needs to be served.
"Oh, big time,” Solomko said. “You did it. Fess up to it. Be a man about it."
Monica Hernandez's niece Nancy Andrade says she hopes the family will ultimately do the right thing.
“Hopefully, his family is watching this and if they know where he is they should contact the police,” Andrade said.
Another neighbor tells CBS58 police were at Mata-Chavez's home on Sunday, the day of the crash, but no one in the neighborhood has seen him since.