Memphis, TN : 21-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash at Knight Arnold Road Sunday, April 16th, 2016

Investigators arrested a man after a crash that killed a 21-year-old motorcyclist Sunday night.

Police initially thought the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash. But, a witness was able to describe the man they say left the scene.

Officers found Onesimo Gardea getting out of his red pickup truck near the intersection of Lamar Avenue and Knight Arnold Road.

Police believe Gardea made a left turn from Lamar Avenue onto a private road. That's when the motorcyclist hit the side of his truck. Gardea then drove away from the scene.

Family members identify the motorcyclist as Christopher Kinsey III.

“I would just let him know you tore up a family. You hurt so many people with your actions,” Christopher’s father, Christopher Kinsey Jr. said. "Devastating. It just seems so unreal."

Officers on the scene said Gardea's speech was slurred and he smelled like alcohol.

“He should never been out there,” Kinsey Jr. said.

Family members described Christopher as a good kid who did what he was supposed to do.

"Chris was one of those guys you could depend on, no matter what," said Christopher's grandfather, Kinsey Sr. "He was one of the kids you expected to do great things for the community."

Kinsey drove a tractor-trailer for FedEx. Chris's grandfather said he left behind a son.

"We were very proud of Chris," Kinsey Sr. said. We were so proud of him. I'm still proud of him."

Christopher’s son, Carter, now has to learn to live without his father.

Gardea is charged with DUI, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, no driver's license, public intoxication, reckless driving, vehicular homicide while intoxicated, and violation of financial law.

“Stop drinking and driving,” Kinsey’s aunt, Elizabeth Crouch, said. “Because it's hurting innocent families and we have to deal with it.”

Now, Kinsey’s family is hoping they can see tougher consequences for driving drunk or driving without a license.

“I hope justice will be served because of what you did to my son,” Kinsey Jr. said. “And I won't miss a court date on you.”

Source :
Man charged in crash that killed 21-year-old motorcyclist