Richmond County authorities have made an arrest in one of two deadly hit & run accidents from the weekend that killed pedestrians in unrelated cases.
Rodriquez Antwan Walker, 44, was charged Monday in the death of 39-year-old Broderick Parker, who was struck and killed while walking around 8 p.m. Saturday on Richmond Hill Road, just two blocks from his home. Walker has a record of traffic offenses, including a DUI wreck where he left the scene in 2019.
On Saturday, the victim was struck and flew onto the windshield of the suspect’s 2013 Chevrolet Impala, causing him fatal injuries. Instead of calling for help, Walker is accused of getting out of the vehicle and fleeing.
It took two days, but an investigation led to his arrest on Monday on charges of felony homicide by vehicle, felony leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and a central turning lane violation. He is being held without bond at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
The wreck isn’t Walker’s first hit & run accident. He was drunk in 2019 when he wrecked in Richmond County and left the scene of a crash, according to online records. In that case, he got credit by Judge Richard Slaby for one day spent in jail and was given 11 months and 29 days of probation along with 40 hours of community service and some fines.
The suspect also has previous convictions for a 2002 DUI as well as a domestic violence in 2012. He has several other traffic charges over the years for speeding, running a stop sign, improper lane change and failure to maintain lane.
Parker was remembered on a GoFundMe page as “a great brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend who touched the lives of those around him.”
“Broderick dedicated his life to his siblings,” Dianne Heggs said. “He was the life of our family.”
No arrest has been announced in Saturday’s second hit & run death. Joni Mitchell, 28, was riding a bicycle Saturday when she was struck by a vehicle traveling east on Lumpkin Road at Fleming Drive.
The vehicle that struck Mitchell left the scene. Mitchell, who lived less than a mile away on Overlook Road, was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:24 p.m., Coroner Mark Bowen said.
On Tuesday, authorities asked for the public’s help in locating the vehicle and driver who struck Mitchell. The victim was struck by an unknown dark SUV or truck while crossing the roadway. The driver left the scene driving east bound on Lumpkin Road. The vehicle may have front-end damage sustained from the accident, authorities said.
Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1080. Anyone calling with information regarding this case can remain anonymous if needed.
