Gary Todd O'Neal, 52, the victim of a hit-and-run car crash in Fayetteville, Arkansas died from his injuries nearly two weeks after the accident. He had been initially taken to Mercy Hospital after being struck by a car driven by Maurice Deshaun Evans, 22.
O'Neal had suffered severe injuries from the car crash, including brain and spinal injuries. He also suffered a large wound on the back of his head. Authorities believe that he was homeless and that he may have been originally from Oklahoma, but spent time in Missouri and Arkansas as well.
Evans fled the scene of the accident, but was arrested two days later on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Police received a tip the day after the accident about a vehicle that matched the description distributed to the public by authorities. There was very little physical evidence left at the scene of the accident, so the tip they received was key to breaking the case.
There was damage to the front of the car and Evans allowed police to search his vehicle, while also providing an alibi. Detectives said that Evans' alibi did not check out and he was arrested the next day. He is currently free on $10,000 bond, but faces a charge of felony leaving the scene of an injury accident. He may face further charges.
Evans says he did not stop after hitting O'Neal because he knew he would go to jail for killing a man.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Gary Todd O'Neal following this tragic accident.