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WEST WENDOVER — Frustration is mounting for the family of 22-year old Terron "Demi" Hooper, who was killed in a hit and run crash in West Wendover. They say police aren't doing enough to find the driver who is responsible.
"It's been left up to me and my daughter and my son's father to find out who killed my son," said Demi's mother, Shasta Hooper.
I pray that no parent has to go through what I've been through.
–- Shasta Hooper
Since her son's death over Labor Day weekend, Shasta Hooper has declined media interviews. But frustration with the police investigation has prompted her to talk about the case.
"He was my world. He was my everything," Shasta Hooper said, breaking down.
During an interview with KSL News Tuesday, she held up a poster she made with her son's picture and the question in bold, black marker: "Who killed my son?" It's a question that haunts her every day.
"I pray that no parent has to go through what I've been through," Shasta Hooper said.
Related story:
Police search for driver in Wendover hit-and-run, family mourns loss
Terron Hooper - nicknamed Demi - was found in the road at the intersection of Wells Avenue and Wendover Boulevard shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday.On Sept. 3, Shasta Hooper says she took her son to catch a bus to Wendover. It was his 22nd birthday. "He got out, and he came around to the side of my truck and he told me he loved me," she said.
She had no idea that was the last time she'd see Demi alive. Around 2 a.m. on Sept. 4, a cab driver found Demi's body at the intersection of Wells Avenue and Wendover Boulevard. He had been hit by a car that never stopped. Police have yet to find the driver.
Shasta Hooper says that makes the tragedy much more difficult to bear, like her son "didn't have a value on his life, hat they left him like trash in the road, like he didn't matter."
Adding to her devastation and frustration, she says West Wendover police haven't done much to find the driver. "I've been told it's basically a cold case. No leads, no skid marks, no paint, no anything," Shasta Hooper said.
But West Wendover Police Sgt. David Wiskerchen says it's still an active investigation and they're reevaluating the case for any new leads.
Wiskerchen says, shortly after the hit-and-run, tips led them to search a vehicle but nothing was found. He says investigators are equally frustrated because it's a difficult case, and investigators are relying on the public's help.
10 a.m. - TBA
West Valley City
4700 South 4000 West
Meanwhile, Shasta Hooper she's not giving up hope, even if it means searching for answers until the day she dies. She says she doesn't have hate, only forgiveness for the driver. She believes she'll get justice for her son even if it only comes from inner peace.
"If I never have answers, at least I know my son is happy and he's free," she said.
The family can't afford a funeral for Demi. On Nov. 5, they will have a car wash to raise the last $1,000 needed to pay for his cremation. The car wash will be held at the Smith's parking lot at 4700 South 4000 West. It will begin at 10 a.m. and go for several hours. The family will also pass out fliers.
If you have any information on who may have hit Demi Hooper, contact the West Wendover Police Department at (775) 664-4393.
Email: syi@ksl.com
