Twenty years after a 19-year-old man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on SR 18, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is renewing its call for information, and this time, they’re emphasizing that investigators already have a named suspect.
Deadly crash on SR 18
The incident happened on July 2, 2006, as the suspect, identified as now 43-year-old Saul Cortez-Moreno, was driving on SR 18, near SR 167.
“Cortez-Moreno was driving westbound on SR 18 to turn northbound onto SR 167. That interchange,” Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound Executive Director Jim Fuda said. “He runs over 19-year-old Andy Pellegrino and leaves him for dead. Takes off and has yet to be found 20 years later.”
A named suspect and a white Jeep Cherokee
Unlike many cold cases, investigators in this one have a clear lead: a suspect with local ties and a specific vehicle linked to the crash.
“Investigators believe Cortez-Moreno was driving a white 1997 Jeep Cherokee,” Fuda explained. “Cortez-Moreno has connections to the area and is likely known to people still living in the community, and someone knows where he’s at.”
‘He’s had the luxury of living life’
The case was investigated as a hit-and-run homicide by the Washington State Patrol. Fuda said there is no question in investigators’ minds that Cortez-Moreno knew what happened that night. That he hit someone and kept going.
For the past two decades, Fuda noted, the suspect has been able to live freely, a stark contrast to the life that was cut short on that July night.
“This guy has had the luxury of living life and doing what he wants in these past 20 years, where he left Pellegrino for dead. He didn’t have that opportunity,” Fuda said.
Anonymous tips and a $1,000 reward
Fuda said what makes this case “different” is that law enforcement already knows who they’re looking for. What they don’t know is where he is now.
“There are ties, and what’s different about this case is we have a named suspect. So if anybody knows his whereabouts, give Crime Stoppers a call and notify us anonymously,” Fuda said.
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the suspect’s arrest and charges.
Tips can be submitted through the P3 Tips app or by calling Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 800-222-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
As the 20-year mark passes, Fuda and investigators hope that renewed attention and the knowledge that there is a named suspect still at large will be enough to encourage someone who knows the truth to finally speak up.
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