Alexis Ines Villegas Killed in Guilford County Hit-and-Run
Dashcam footage leads to felony charges for Thomasville man after deadly Interstate 85 collision
Alexis Ines Villegas, 29, of Texas, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 85 North in Guilford County on Tuesday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
William Garrett Okeith Moser, 23, of Thomasville, was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in injury or death.
Investigators said Moser was driving a silver Kia Stinger GT when he made an unsafe lane change and struck Villegas' Dodge Ram pickup truck. The impact forced the Dodge off the road and into a ditch, where it overturned. The driver of the Kia fled the scene. Villegas was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Troopers identified the fleeing vehicle after a witness provided dashcam footage of the collision. Moser is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 3.
According to the NHTSA, 2,758 people died in traffic crashes involving hit-and-run drivers nationwide in 2024.
The crash remains under investigation.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. While the criminal justice system pursues felony charges against the fleeing driver, the victim's family must also handle the civil legal process.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Identifying a driver who flees after causing a catastrophic collision can take weeks, sometimes longer, depending on available clues and cooperation from nearby witnesses. Delays like that create enormous stress for families struggling with devastating injuries and mounting bills."
'"Legal professionals often step in during this uncertain period, working alongside investigators and pushing for answers while medical needs remain addressed," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How does dashcam footage impact the Interstate 85 investigation?
In hit-and-run accidents such as this, video evidence often proves critical in identifying suspects and establishing liability. Dashcam recordings can capture unsafe lane changes, vehicle descriptions, and license plate numbers before a driver leaves the scene.
What are the legal options for hit-and-run victims' families?
When a driver faces criminal charges for fleeing a fatal collision, the victim's estate may simultaneously pursue a civil claim. These parallel proceedings address different aspects of accountability, with civil actions focusing on compensation for the family's loss.
North Carolina wrongful death statute
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. North Carolina applies contributory negligence. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.
"Witnesses sometimes remember small details that become much more important once investigators compare every account with the physical evidence," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Preserving those statements early can make a meaningful difference, and an attorney may help secure that information while protecting surviving relatives as insurance claims continue moving forward."