DETROIT – A grieving Metro Detroit family is still without answers more than one year after their beloved brother was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Detroit, and they’re hoping the community can help.
Aziz Kassis, 36, was fatally struck by a speeding car in northwest Detroit at about 1:44 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. He was outside in the area of Lahser Road and Verne Avenue when a burgundy Chevrolet Impala crashed into him and then fled the scene.
Kassis died from his injuries. Detroit police have not yet found the driver or the vehicle responsible for Kassis’ death, leaving his loved ones to balance sorrow and confusion.
“He was killed in the street like an animal -- something no one deserves,” said Sonya Kassis, sister of Aziz. “We want the person who did it to know that he wasn’t just some guy who got in your way, that you could leave behind in the rearview mirror. He was part of this huge family.”
Members of the Kassis family -- including his several siblings, nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends -- came together Thursday, Dec. 28, to ask the community for help identifying the driver responsible.
“[Aziz] was a full person who was loved, who is severely missed,” Sonya Kassis said. “If you know anything, if you saw anything, please let us know.”
A $2,500 reward is now being offered for information that leads to an arrest in connection with Aziz Kassis’ death. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous, even with a reward involved, and can be made on their website right here, or by calling 1-800-Speak Up.
Though police have not been able to find the car or the driver involved, officials did share surveillance video that captured the wanted vehicle fleeing on Lahser Road after the fatal crash. Below is a video of the vehicle.
“He was a soul taken away from us by somebody who decided to strike him, kill him, and just drive away,” said Jason Ziadeh, cousin of Aziz. “Whoever that was has no heart.”
Crime Stoppers does not wait for a conviction to administer a reward. Rewards will be paid when an arrest is made. Visit the Crime Stoppers of Michigan website here to leave an anonymous tip online.
Hear from the Kassis family in Shawn Ley’s video report below.