About 50 people gathered Friday afternoon at a downtown Baltimore intersection in hopes of generating tips that could find the driver who killed Julio "Speedy" Gonzalez II in a hit-and-run accident last week.
Waving signs that read "Justice for Speedy" and "Hit and run is murder," family members and fellow stage employee union members passed out fliers to passing cars. Gonzalez, 39, of Towson and another stagehand were crossing North Howard Street toward John Street in the early morning of May 13. Gonzalez was struck as he neared the curb.
"Somebody killed him and took off. They know who they are," said his sister, Juliana Gonzalez.
The rally was organized by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 19, a union Gonzalez joined May 7, a few days before his death. He'd worked as a stagehand since 2007, however. Many of those in attendance wore shirts from recent concerts that said "staff" on the back.
"He worked his butt off, and always had a story for you and a smile on his face," said Bruce Holtman Sr., a business agent with the union. "We're demanding justice. [The driver] has to come forward. We will never stop searching."
Holtman said the intersection is dangerous and the city should install rumble strips. He said he plans to appeal to the mayor.
Juliana Gonzalez said her brother enjoyed surfing, snowboarding and riding motorcycles, and was a reptile enthusiast. "Everybody loved Speedy," she said.
Police said anyone with tips is urged to call the police accident investigation unit at 410-396-2606.