The Dabney family urges police to intensify their probe into Jamir’s death, citing the potential involvement of a second driver.
MCKINNEY, Texas — More than two months have passed since the tragic death of Jamir Dabney, but his family’s grief remains raw, and their dining room table has become a growing memorial.
Jamir, 14, was riding his bike home with two friends just days before Christmas when he was hit by a vehicle and killed.
For Jamir’s mother, Megan, the loss is incomprehensible.
“Anybody would want justice for their child,” she says. “Anybody would want to know exactly what happened. And also, to where it don’t happen to nobody else’s child.”
On Monday, the Dabney family and their attorney met with the media at the McKinney Police Department, urging law enforcement to do more in the investigation. The family is seeking answers, and they believe there has been a lack of clarity from the police.
“This family deserves closure and to know why,” said Attorney Steven Wright.
The McKinney Police chief met with the family last week. A late February news release stated that only one car was involved in the incident and that no criminal wrongdoing had been found . Police said the lone driver did stop to render aid to Dabney. However, the family disagrees with this finding.
The family says the evidence and witness statements point to a possible second driver.
“The first car, it is wrong. You fled a scene when you should have stayed,” the mother asserted.
McKinney Police later clarified on Monday that they have been unable to identify the driver of the first vehicle, and video evidence does not conclusively show their involvement.
The following statement came from McKinney Police on Monday:
“Two vehicles were present in the moments surrounding the incident when Jamir was struck by a vehicle. Police have not been able to identify the driver of the first vehicle, and video evidence does not clearly indicate their involvement in the incident. The video does not provide enough information to identify the driver or the make or model of the car. The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and is not under criminal investigation.
If new information or evidence regarding the first vehicle emerges, the McKinney Police Department will thoroughly investigate and pursue criminal charges if a crime is found to have occurred.”
“They believe things could have been handled differently and better,” said attorney Wright. “They personally do not believe that enough has been done in regards to [the investigation].”
Their hope is that the first driver will come forward and that the investigation will lead to justice.
Wright tells WFAA that no decisions have been made about any possible civil action on the matter. The attorney says the family wants to exhaust all other avenues and give police ‘the benefit of the doubt.’
