Family renews call for leads after Arlington hit-and-run killed 40-year-old father Brandon Venegas

A fatal late-night crash behind a Merrill Road Walgreens remains unsolved

A Jacksonville family is urging anyone with information to come forward after 40-year-old Brandon Venegas, a father of four, was killed in a hit-and-run in the Arlington area. Investigators have said Venegas was struck by a vehicle in an alley behind businesses along Merrill Road near Townsend Boulevard, and later pronounced dead.

The case centers on a late-night response just before midnight on Monday, May 26, 2025. Police found Venegas lying in an alley behind a business on Merrill Road near Townsend Boulevard. Detectives later determined he had been hit by a vehicle that left the scene.

What investigators say they know about the vehicle

Police have released limited identifying information about the vehicle believed to be involved. Surveillance footage reviewed during the investigation pointed detectives to a white, mid-size SUV. No license plate information has been released publicly.

Authorities have asked the public to help identify the SUV and its driver, and have provided contact information for tips through the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Family describes final movements and presses for answers

In public appeals after the crash, Venegas’ family said he was walking home on the night of Memorial Day when he was struck. Relatives also said he had been last seen in the area near the Publix at Merrill Road and Townsend Boulevard, close to where he was later found behind the Walgreens.

Family members have continued to organize informal outreach and public visibility efforts, including wearing memorial shirts bearing his nickname, as they seek information that could identify the driver or vehicle.

Context: traffic deaths and hit-and-runs in Duval County

Venegas’ death occurred during a period in which Jacksonville continued to report significant numbers of serious traffic incidents. In late May 2025, the city recorded its 70th traffic death of the year, reflecting a pace that was reported as consistent with the year prior. Public crash statistics for Duval County have also included fatalities tied to hit-and-run incidents, underscoring the investigative challenges when drivers leave the scene.

How to provide information

• Non-emergency tip line for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office: 904-630-0500
• Anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers: 1-866-845-TIPS

If you saw a white, mid-size SUV in the Merrill Road area near Townsend Boulevard late on May 26, 2025, investigators are asking you to report what you know.

As of the most recent public updates, the investigation remains open and police continue to seek information that could identify the vehicle and driver involved.