Dempsy L. DeAngelo Killed in Pleasant Township Hit-and-Run
Suspect arrested on felony charges after fleeing the scene on U.S. Route 23
Dempsy L. DeAngelo, 27, of Marion, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on U.S. Route 23 near State Route 98 in Pleasant Township on Tuesday, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The other driver, 47, of Detroit, was arrested at a Columbus home by a special response team and charged with third-degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide. He was booked into the Franklin County jail pending arraignment in Marion Municipal Court.
The northbound Mercury Grand Marquis driven by the suspect left the road and struck a disabled Buick LeSabre stopped on the shoulder. The impact hit the driver of the Buick, who was standing outside the vehicle. Following the collision, the driver of the Mercury fled the scene on foot accompanied by a young child. Authorities launched a multi-agency manhunt before locating the suspect.
Paramedics pronounced the Buick driver, DeAngelo, dead at the scene.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), there were 1,156 traffic fatalities across Ohio in 2024, representing a 7% decrease from 2023.
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 accountability for the fleeing driver, civil investigations focus on the broader liability framework.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Figuring out who was behind the wheel after a driver flees can take weeks, depending on how much evidence survived the initial impact. Paint transfer, debris, and partial plate numbers become incredibly valuable once a name finally surfaces."
"An attorney working closely with reconstruction specialists can help push that process forward, comparing findings against emerging leads until identification becomes possible," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How do criminal charges impact a civil case in Pleasant Township?
The arrest of a suspect on felony charges provides a foundation for parallel legal action. Criminal proceedings focus on penalizing the offender, while civil claims address the financial and emotional toll on the surviving family.
What are the next steps for the family of DeAngelo?
Families navigating the aftermath of a fatal roadside collision often face immediate funeral expenses and the loss of future income. Legal professionals emphasize the importance of preserving evidence from the crash scene and securing police reports early in the process. Under Ohio law, individuals injured or killed due to another party's negligence may be entitled to seek compensation.
Ohio wrongful death statute
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.01, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Ohio applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). 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.
"Hit and run investigations rely on paint transfer evidence and nearby surveillance footage since a fleeing vehicle rarely leaves obvious clues behind otherwise," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Legal counsel often coordinates with law enforcement gathering fragments of proof so families eventually receive real answers."