BELLMEAD, Texas — A Central Texas family is able to rest a bit better after a seven year cold case have been solved.
Bellmead Police Chief Shawn Myatt told 6 News Omar Dominguez Martinez was taken into custody on Monday for the hit-and-run that took place on July 3, 2017 near New Dallas Highway and Montrose Street.
"The successful ending for this case is hinged on a combination of the community and the police working together," Myatt explained. "The community had in some information that they discovered, they brought it to us, that was given to the investigators of detectives and then the detective started working."
Lead detective Jesse Harker told 6 News the department received key information in early 2024 that led them to this point.
"A community member came forward and said, hey, I have information about that hit and run in 2017," Harker explained. "They essentially provided the details that they witnessed that night, conversations they had interactions with people that night, and ultimately gave up the name and the vehicle description of what they believe to be the suspect."
From there, Harker said he searched though the Bellmead Police database and it revealed that they had contact with Martinez on a number of different occasions. After months of investigation, they took the evidence to a grand jury and were able to eventually arrest Martinez.
Mcelyea's husband, Leon Mcelyea, told 6 News while he has mourned the loss of his wife, the news of Martinez's arrest was bittersweet.
"You lose a part of you, Mcelyea explained. "Me and her were soul mates, I believe so."
He also reflected on how the last seven years have been without his wife.
"Every July, we relive it over and over," Mcelyea said. "I've heard a lot of names throughout the years. Never heard that man's name one time."
Mcelyea said as they wait for Martinez's day in court, him and his family are hoping for a righteous ending.
"He gets the opportunity to kiss his wife and kids every day. He took that away from all of us."
According to McLennan County Jail Records, Martinez is being charged with Collision Involving Death, a second-degree felony. His bail has been set at $25,000, according to McLennan County Jail Records.