Nearly 4 months later, search continues for driver in fatal Deer Park hit-and-run

Mary Ellen La Fata says it has been a difficult last few months since her brother, 51-year-old Robert Donahue, was run down and killed in Deer Park at the corner of Deer Park Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

News 12 Staff

Feb 12, 2020, 10:33 PM

Updated 1,533 days ago

Share:

A Bay Shore woman is demanding her brother's killer be caught nearly four months after the hit-and-run that took his life.
Mary Ellen La Fata says it has been a difficult last few months since her brother, 51-year-old Robert Donahue, was run down and killed in Deer Park at the corner of Deer Park Avenue and Grand Boulevard.
In late October, the driver who struck Donahue also side-swiped a white SUV a few blocks away and fled both scenes. As of today, no one has been arrested.
"The car was found that day around the corner from my mother's house, so we're just waiting," says La Fata.
Back in October, News 12 spoke to Donahue's mother Eileen. She said her son had schizophrenia and spent his days at a nearby library. She says he was killed while walking home from that library. She found out when he didn't come home at his usual time.
"We had to drive around looking for him, we had to ask the police on the street," says Eileen Donahue.
There were witnesses and surveillance cameras at the scene of the incident. La Fata contacted News 12 after becoming frustrated with how long it was taking for an arrest to be made.
A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Department say there is a potential suspect, that a truck involved has been impounded and they are awaiting more lab results.
"We want closure, we want to know what happened, just some kind of peace from it, how somebody can leave someone like that," says Eileen Donahue.
 


More from News 12
1:53
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:56
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition