Hundreds gather to honor 14-year-old killed in hit-and-run; 2 suspects held on ICE detainers

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelight vigil to honor a 14-year-old Georgia boy who was killed in a hit-and-run. The two suspects in the case are being held on detainers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Marcus Anderson, 14, was riding his electric bike last Sunday night at an intersection in Chatham County when a car hit him and drove off. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

“I just hate that he’s gone, but I just know he’s in a better place now,” his cousin said.

Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelight vigil Saturday to honor Marcus’ legacy. Family members described him as having a vibrant personality and being a smart kid.

“He was always very smart, very kind, always trying to do something, fix something,” one family member said.

Chatham County Police have arrested two men, 32-year-old Miguel Reyes-Castro and 29-year-old Olvin Antonio Ramos-Ramos, in connection with the fatal hit-and-run. Both suspects were charged with tampering with evidence and obstruction and were being held on ICE detainers.

Police Chief Jeff Hadley said detectives focused on finding camera footage from residential cameras, Ring cameras, private communities and the department’s Flock camera system. This helped them identify a vehicle of interest that detectives tracked to Tybee Island, where the arrests were made.

At Saturday’s vigil, loved ones said prayers, told funny memories and sang songs honoring Marcus. His family says he will always be remembered for how caring he was, even at such a young age.

“We loved him so much, and that’s gonna be a big hole, but we’re grateful we got to spend the time we did with him,” one family member said.

Anderson’s aunt, who drove in from Chicago to honor her nephew, said everyone showing up means the world, but it doesn’t bring her nephew back.

“Even when the service is over, the pain doesn’t stop,” she said.

Marcus’ loved ones are now pushing for justice and change. They are talking about safety for bikers in the area where the 14-year-old was hit, noting that the street lacks sufficient lighting and does not have a bike lane.

Police say more charges may be coming in the case.

A GoFundMe set up to help Marcus’ family with funeral expenses had raised more than $18,500 of its $22,000 goal as of early Tuesday.