Car crash claims the life of Ethiopian mother in Texas

Police Searching For Driver In Deadly Hit & Run

By Seema Mathur

GARLAND, TEXAS (CBS 11 News) ― Police have released new information today about a deadly hit and run case that killed a Garland mother.

Juan Pedro Tobias, 30, is wanted for crashing into Tsigereda Kassaye’s car last week at the intersection of Jupiter and Buckingham. Kassaye later died at a local hospital from her injuries.

Police say Tobias fled the scene on foot.

Berhane Hagos, describes his wife as an angel. Without her, he said his life “looks like hell.”

Berhane fell in love with Kassaye in Ethiopia. But he was forced to move to the U.S. without her to seek political asylum. Ten years later, he went back to get and marry the love of his life.

Together they had 9-year-old Esrom, who finds it too painful to speak of his mom. He expressed his love in a Mother’s Day card he can only hope she will see from Heaven.

“He’s never been away from his mom,” Hagos said.

The family recently learned Tobias’s license was suspended for a list of previous offenses.

In 2004 he was sentenced and served two years for a DWI. In 2001 he was arrested for driving with a suspended license. In 2000, he was arrested for another DWI.

“I pray for him, and I forgive him,” said Hagos. “I believe in the system in this country, and I believe the system will take its course.”

Hagos said he has to forgive for the sake of himself and his son. It’s also the type of faith his wife had.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Juan Pedro Tobias, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 972-272-8477. You can remain anonymous, and police say you may be eligible for a reward.