Pedestrian struck, killed in DC hit and run

WASHINGTON - A pedestrian was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, and D.C. police are looking for the suspect.

The body of 36-year-old Ian Jerome Butts was found along the side of a road in Southeast D.C. early Friday. Investigators say Butts was crossing Minnesota Avenue while in the crosswalk when he was hit by an SUV that left the scene. He likely never saw it coming.

"He was coming from a friend's house from my understanding. I just wish that he would have listened to me and just came on to church, like I told him," said Tjamanquie Moody, the victim's wife.

Butts leaves behind three young boys and a girl, including twins. All are between 2 and 5 years old.

"He has kids out here that need him, babies, four kids, they need him, they need him," said Moody in an interview with FOX 5's Tisha Lewis.

Police say the person responsible for Butts' death was driving a blue or black Chevrolet Equinox, possibly a model year between 2005 and 2007. The SUV likely has damage to the front end and windshield.

According to MPD the car was recovered Saturday in Southwest D.C. but no arrests have been made yet.

"We as a family here, we have a strong bond with God and with the police department. So we're going to let the police department, and we're going to let God work this thing out," said David Butts, the victim's uncle.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.