Teenager Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run at Philly Nightclub
A 17-year-old boy turned himself in to the Philadelphia Police Department on Monday, facing multiple charges related to a hit-and-run that killed Hector "June" Rodriguez, a beloved DJ at Bob & Barbara's Lounge. The victim, 54, was biking home from work when he was struck by a vehicle and left with fatal injuries.
Police had issued a warrant for the teenager's arrest after discovering his identity, and he is now charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving without a license. Rodriguez worked at the nightclub for decades, where he was remembered as a "special soul" who spread love and gratitude through his music and art.
The incident occurred on December 20th when Rodriguez was biking home from a shift at South Street bar. Police are still searching for a red 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee that may have been involved in the hit-and-run, with witnesses reporting that the vehicle's driver had been following Rodriguez before speeding away from the scene.
State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, who considered Rodriguez a "dear friend," released a statement thanking the police department and district attorney's office for their work on the case. He called on the public to keep Rodriguez's family and friends in their prayers, saying that while the arrest brings them closer to justice, it cannot fill the void left by his passing.
Rodriguez's death has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, with Bob & Barbara's Lounge releasing a statement praising his passion for music and creativity. "Not many are lucky enough to be so in touch with how they feel as well as have the courage to express it like he did," the statement read.
A 17-year-old boy turned himself in to the Philadelphia Police Department on Monday, facing multiple charges related to a hit-and-run that killed Hector "June" Rodriguez, a beloved DJ at Bob & Barbara's Lounge. The victim, 54, was biking home from work when he was struck by a vehicle and left with fatal injuries.
Police had issued a warrant for the teenager's arrest after discovering his identity, and he is now charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving without a license. Rodriguez worked at the nightclub for decades, where he was remembered as a "special soul" who spread love and gratitude through his music and art.
The incident occurred on December 20th when Rodriguez was biking home from a shift at South Street bar. Police are still searching for a red 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee that may have been involved in the hit-and-run, with witnesses reporting that the vehicle's driver had been following Rodriguez before speeding away from the scene.
State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, who considered Rodriguez a "dear friend," released a statement thanking the police department and district attorney's office for their work on the case. He called on the public to keep Rodriguez's family and friends in their prayers, saying that while the arrest brings them closer to justice, it cannot fill the void left by his passing.
Rodriguez's death has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, with Bob & Barbara's Lounge releasing a statement praising his passion for music and creativity. "Not many are lucky enough to be so in touch with how they feel as well as have the courage to express it like he did," the statement read.
This kid who hit that guy is probably just a good Samaritan in disguise, trying to help out by speeding away from the scene. And another thing, why should we be worried about some rich politician's friend dying when there are so many other people struggling to make ends meet on the streets? It's not like Hector was doing anything wrong, he was just riding his bike home after a shift at work... 
omg what a tragedy... a 17 yr old arrested for a hit & run that killed this amazing dj who was just doing his thing on his bike after work 
can u believe it? 
police r searching 4 a jeep grand cherokee but i guess we'll never know the truth about what happened on dec 20th 
hopefully justice will be served & his family gets some closure 
meanwhile let's all take a sec to appreciate this incredible dj who spread love n gratitude thru music & art 
... 17 year old kid does something so reckless, and now this poor guy who loved music & art is gone 
... it's just not fair that someone like Hector "June" Rodriguez has to go 
It's also wonderful to see the community come together, celebrating Rodriguez's life through music and art... it's a beautiful tribute to his memory 
.
. Let's all take a moment to remember June's music and how it brought love and gratitude into people's lives 
!
, the guy was a total legend at that nightclub 
. He was more than just a DJ, he was an artist 
, spreading love and positivity wherever he went 
. It's like they say, one bad decision can change lives forever 
. My heart goes out to Hector's family and friends 
what's even more striking is the impact he had on people - a 54-year-old DJ was biking home from work and that hit-and-run is still with us. it just goes to show how precious life is and how one moment can change everything in an instant. 
, but I guess that's what happens when you're driving without a license and showing no regard for others' lives 
. the community is really rallying around Hector's family & friends tho 
. hope the red Jeep Grand Cherokee is found soon 
I'm so sad about this incident, but you know what? It's amazing that a teenager took responsibility for his actions and turned himself in 
. That takes a lot of courage! And I love how the community is coming together to support Hector's family and friends 
. Let's hope this brings a sense of closure to the community and helps people remember Hector's kind spirit 
... poor Hector "June" Rodriguez was more than just a DJ, he was a loved member of the community 
This incident is just another example of how reckless behavior can lead to devastating consequences 
. What's even more concerning is that there might be other perpetrators out there who are still at large 
. Is it really acceptable for people, especially those in positions of power like Rep Kenyatta, to publicly gush about someone without knowing all the facts? 
It feels like we're more concerned with optics than actual change 
.
. We can do better, Philly! 
but still, 54 is way too young to be taken away like this 
