Nearly 28 years after he was struck outside his family’s trucking business in West Berkeley, the killing of Rick DeVecchi is still an open wound and an open case. DeVecchi, 37, was hit while checking on a stranger at his pickup on Dec. 17, 1998, and later died of his injuries. The driver took off and has never been found.
New TV Segment Puts Case Back In The Spotlight
A recent “Bay Area Unsolved” TV segment is giving the case fresh oxygen, revisiting the family’s plea and reminding viewers that detectives have not closed the file, as reported by CBS News Bay Area. The piece profiles DeVecchi’s relatives and amplifies their call for anyone with even a sliver of information to come forward.
How Police Say The Deadly Hit-And-Run Happened
According to Berkeley police investigators, DeVecchi stepped outside the West Berkeley warehouse shortly after 7 AM to confront a man who was seen rifling through the bed of his pickup. Witnesses told detectives the man then jumped into a light-colored Cadillac, hit the gas and struck DeVecchi before speeding away.
The car was described as a 1970s- or early-1980s white or tan Cadillac with a dark vinyl roof and may have carried a partial license plate with the letters “CUS,” according to reporting and a composite released by investigators, as noted by SFGATE.
Family Refuses To Let The Case Go Cold
DeVecchi’s brother, Randy, told local television that the family still works at the same West Berkeley property where the killing happened and is holding out hope their aging parents will see some measure of justice.
Community coverage and memorial events, including an annual car show held in Rick’s name, have kept his story alive. The case remains listed under Berkeley Police file #98-65962, according to local reporting from Patch.
Cold-Case Push And Where To Send Tips
In the 2000s, investigators released a composite sketch of the suspected driver, and the case has been featured on national programs that solicit viewer tips. Over the years, pooled rewards have climbed into the five-figure range, reportedly reaching $50,000 or more at times…