An assistant pastor was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Philadelphia on Thursday night last week.
Victim Eliezer Leon, 57, served at the Estanque de Sioloe Church in Germantown, Philadelphia.
He was on his way home after preaching at a church service and dropping off men who were overcoming substance abuse when the accident occurred.
"We had a service last night, he was preaching. He had a great message after the service was over. He drove the boys here to the house," Head Pastor Teofil Claudio was quoted by CBS Philly as saying.
He was struck by a passing vehicle when he opened the door to his van. He was dragged for about 20 feet, with the suspect speeding off.
"I went out and I saw this man lying there, and I recognised that it was 'Ellie' Eliezer Leon, and I said, 'Oh my God,' and it put me in a state of shock," Claudio said.
According to witness Virginia Cartagena, she saw people trying to help a man who was on the floor.
Leon was rushed to the Temple University Hospital where he died Friday morning.
The police recovered a thin chrome insert with the "Saab" logo at the scene.
"The reality is today with technology being what it is, in terms of video surveillance being out there, it's not one of those things where you're going to get away with it," said Lt. John Stanford of the Philadelphia Police.
William Leon, the pastor's brother, said he would like to tell the guilty driver, "You took away the life of a good man, and you need to step up and face what you did."
Claudio described Leon as someone special and a believer who loved people.
"He loved the Gospel and he loved to serve. He never discriminated against anybody, and he was always someone to engage in any activities," he said.
Manuel Colon, the victim's friend, said Leon was humble.
