Family of Slain Teen Calls for Justice: A Year of Heartbreak Following Hit-and-Run Tragedy

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Bizzle family commemorated the tragic loss of their son, 13-year-old Elias Bizzle, one year after he was killed in a hit-and-run incident. Family members, alongside dozens of supporters, gathered at the very crosswalk where Elias lost his life, holding a vigil that underscored their yearning for justice and safety.

“This will never go away,” expressed Elbert Bizzle, highlighting the enduring pain the family endures. “They say time heals all wounds, not for us.”

Elias was struck while riding his bicycle home with friends just before sunset. According to the Glendale Police Department, he was in the crosswalk at 47th and Northern avenues when a pickup truck hit him and fled the scene. After a harrowing 12 days on life support, Elias succumbed to his injuries.

Victoria Bizzle, Elias’s mother, described the heartbreaking experience, saying, “It’s the worst thing to go through.” The vigil drew several of Elias’s friends, who joined the family to pay tribute to a young boy who excelled in academics and athletics.

The suspected driver, identified as 27-year-old Joshua Holbert, turned himself in two days after the accident and was arrested. He faces charges, having a history of reckless driving, and pled not guilty despite admitting his involvement to law enforcement.

In addition to seeking justice, the Bizzle family is advocating for change. They are urging state legislators to enhance safety measures at the intersection where the incident occurred and to implement stricter penalties for individuals charged with hit-and-run offenses. “I just want to try and prevent it as much as we can because this has been the worst year of my life,” Victoria added, hoping for a future that spares other families similar heartbreak.