A family is mourning, a community is shaken, and a suspect is now behind bars. Police in Miami have arrested a man they say is responsible for a devastating hit-and-run that killed 76-year-old great-grandmother Koritza Ortiz as she crossed a busy street in Liberty City.
A Morning Walk Ends in Tragedy
It was just after 8 a.m. on Monday, a quiet morning like any other. Koritza Ortiz was crossing Northwest 7th Avenue near 60th Street, walking westbound. She likely didn’t see the white SUV speeding toward her.
According to investigators, the driver didn’t slow down. Ortiz was hit with such force that she died on the scene. The driver kept going.
For her loved ones, the impact was unimaginable.
“She didn’t deserve to go like this,” said her daughter, Arliette Melara. “She was a strong woman, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. She was everything to us.”
The Search for the Driver
In the hours after the crash, Miami-Dade Police launched an urgent investigation. With help from witnesses, surveillance cameras, and traffic footage, they were able to track down the vehicle—a white GMC Terrain, model year 2018 to 2023—with noticeable front-end damage.
The break came when police found the SUV hidden at a warehouse near Northwest 68th Terrace and 32nd Avenue. Early Wednesday morning, they arrested 33-year-old Rodrick Davis Jr.
He was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he now faces a felony charge for leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in death.
A Family’s Pain and Plea for Justice
Koritza Ortiz was more than just another victim of a crash. She was the heart of her family—a mother of three, grandmother to eight, and great-grandmother to 12. Her grandson, Daniel Garcia Ortiz, said he still can’t believe she’s gone.
“She helped raise all of us,” he said. “This wasn’t just someone walking on the street. This was a person who spent her life caring for others.”
Daniel also had a message for the driver. “You left her there like she didn’t matter. But she mattered so much. I hope you think about that.”
Police Speak Out
Miami Police spokesperson Kiara Delva called the arrest a result of swift investigative work and strong community cooperation.
“This is a tragedy that should have never happened,” Delva said. “Thanks to tips and evidence from the scene, our officers were able to make a timely arrest. We hope this brings at least some comfort to the family.”
Still More Questions Than Answers
While the arrest brings a measure of justice, the pain is still raw. The family is preparing for a funeral they never expected. They’re also calling for safer streets and more accountability for reckless drivers.
“We don’t want this to happen to another family,” Melara said. “Something needs to change.”
What’s Next
Rodrick Davis Jr. is awaiting his first court appearance. The case remains open as police work to build their prosecution. Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers is still encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
As Liberty City continues to grieve, neighbors have begun leaving flowers and candles near the crosswalk where Ortiz was killed. Her family says they are touched by the outpouring of support—and hope her memory will inspire change.
