A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that occurred in Harris County, Texas, on Friday, February 20, 2026. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the teen faces charges of failure to stop and render aid and was also allegedly in violation of a prior DWI bond at the time of the incident.
Authorities say 57-year-old Rayford Howard was walking from a grocery store to his apartment in the 12800 block of Woodforest Boulevard when he was struck by a white Ram pickup truck. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated that the vehicle was reportedly speeding when it hit the pedestrian. The driver allegedly fled the scene without stopping to render assistance.
Investigators with the Vehicular Crimes Division and District 3 patrol officers later identified the suspect and recovered the white pickup truck.
Legal Duties After a Pedestrian Crash
Texas law requires a driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide aid. Failing to do so can result in serious felony charges. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is not simply a traffic violation — it is a criminal offense that carries significant penalties.
In pedestrian cases, drivers also have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and maintain proper control, particularly in residential areas. Allegations of speeding can significantly increase both criminal exposure and civil liability.
Civil Liability in a Fatal Hit-and-Run
Separate from any criminal case, families may pursue a civil claim for damages. A fatal pedestrian accident may support a wrongful death claim under Texas law.
In civil court, families must prove negligence and causation — that the driver’s actions directly caused the death. Evidence in these cases often includes:
- Surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Crash reconstruction findings
- Cell phone records
- Witness statements
In some situations, issues such as comparative negligence may be raised as part of the defense, though each case depends on its specific facts.
Damages Available to Surviving Family Members
Families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian crash may seek economic damages for financial losses, including funeral expenses and lost income. They may also pursue non-economic damages for loss of companionship, emotional anguish, and other intangible harms.
If evidence shows reckless disregard for safety — such as extreme speeding or driving while impaired — courts may consider claims involving gross negligence and potentially punitive damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer or wrongful death lawyer can help ensure critical evidence is preserved and that insurance coverage issues are fully investigated.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
Fatal pedestrian crashes are devastating for families. When a driver leaves the scene, it compounds the tragedy and raises serious questions about accountability.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents families in wrongful death and serious motor vehicle collision cases. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts and investigators to determine exactly what happened and to pursue full compensation under Texas law.
If your family has lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, call Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306. You can also contact us online to request a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.