Man charged in southwest Houston hit-and-run that killed child and driver, court records say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man was arrested and charged for allegedly fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash that killed a child and a driver in southwest Houston, court records show.Alessio Bevinetto, 20, was charged with two counts of failing to render aid after the fatal crash Friday night in the 7100 block of South Gessner near Neff.

Authorities said they believe Bevinetto was intoxicated when his pickup truck crashed into a Camry that was attempting to cross the road. In that Camry was driver Juan Sapon and Martha Sapon, according to court records.

Juan was at a stop sign and thought he had enough time to cross the road, according to authorities. Due to the pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed, the truck crashed into the Camry as it attempted to stop, police said.

Authorities said Martha, believed to have been an 8- or 9-year-old girl, and Juan were ejected from the car. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

“It’s totally unfair. No fault of their own,” said Sean Teare, the chief of vehicular crimes with the district attorney’s office. “This individual didn’t even have the compassion to stay and make sure they were OK or call police.”

Teare said witnesses saw Bevinetto get out of the vehicle looking disoriented.

“We’re talking about a young lady, 8-or 9-year-old girl, who was just four hours from experiencing Christmas, and now she’s dead. There’s nothing that brings it home more than that. We’re talking about a family, who, at the very least, is not going to have someone who likely still believes in the magic of Christmas,” Teare said. “This very well could be a parent. We don’t know that yet. This one is very tragic.”

Bevinetto was given a $20,000 bond combined for both charges.

The relationship between Martha and Juan have not yet been confirmed.