According to ABC News published today, “The suspect wanted in the hit-and-run death of a Brooklyn couple and their baby says he is ready to turn himself in, but still remains on the lam from police, according to ABC station WAVC-TV, which reached him by phone.”
ABC News goes on to say, “Julio Acevedo, 44, said he was fleeing gunfire when he hit the livery cab carrying Nachman Glauber and his pregnant wife Raizel, both 21, around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.”
Acevedo’s statement, "This why I am willing to turn myself in, because my heart goes out to all of those people that's feeling like I'm so much of a bad guy and I'm really not. I did not know that occurred until I seen the news. Once I seen the news, I said I have to get my attorney ready before I turn myself in."
The police said he fled the scene on foot, the father was killed immediately and the mother, Raizel Glauber, lived long enough to have her baby by C-section. The baby boy died a few hours after his birth. They also said that the suspect has a long criminal record which includes drunk driving and manslaughter. Less than a month ago he was convicted of drinking and driving.
With his record, it is conceivable why he ran away from the scene; however, the psychology of hit-and-run drivers supports other theories as well.
According to an interview with Dr. Leon James on hit-and-run psychology which aired on the “Gill Gross Show.” some drivers who hit someone or something are under sudden emotional pressure that they don't know how to handle. Their thinking becomes deranged by the emotional impact when they realize they may have just killed someone.
Reasons drivers have for leaving the crash scene:
“Driver has something to hide and does not want to be questioned by police. For instance they may have an expired or revoked license, or no license. Or they may want to protect their identity or avoid publicity.”
“Driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol. In some localities drunk driving convictions carry heavier sentences than leaving the scene of a crash, or not stopping to offer help.”
“Driver is scared to stop on the highway if it is at night or in a strange neighborhood. So the driver may opt to use the cell phone to call police without stopping.”
Driver may be functioning at a low level of moral reasoning and social responsibility and is able to justify running away and not facing the consequences because "it's not really their fault" or, "Someone else will stop and help."
It is quite conceivable that Acevedo had something to hide and was afraid to be questioned by the police despite his statement.
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