DPS: Couple arrested in connection to fatal hit and run crash

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two people were arrested in connection to a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 15-year-old, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced.

Laredo residents 45-year-old Rodolfo Ruiz Jr. and his wife, 43-year-old Lluliana Milera Ruiz, were arrested in connection to the death of Harlingen resident 15-year-old Kayden Schwartz.

^{Rodolfo Ruiz Jr. and Lluliana Milera Ruiz, (Source: Texas Department of Public Safety)}

At 3:03 a.m. on Feb. 9, troopers responded to a fatal hit-and-run accident on FM 1846 near County Road 578 in San Benito.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a bicyclist, identified as Schwartz, was going northbound on FM 1846 when an unknown vehicle traveling northbound struck the bicyclist from behind.

The suspected vehicle left the scene without rendering aid. Schwartz was pronounced dead at the scene, a news release from Texas DPS stated.

On Feb. 10, Rodolfo, Lluliana, and their attorney contacted the Cameron County District Attorney's Office. 

The couple came forward and told authorities Rodolfo was the driver and Lluliana was the passenger of the 2023 Ford F-250 that was involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, DPS issued an arrest warrant for the couple.

Rodolfo was charged with collision involving death and tampering with/or fabricated evidence. Lluliana was charged with failure to report a felony.

Both of them have been booked into the Cameron County Jail.