Tip May Lead Investigators to Driver in Fatal 405 Freeway Hit-and-Run

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol received a tip from a witness that may help lead them to the driver who hit and killed a 31-year-old Buena Park man early Sunday morning before fleeing the scene.

A witness reported seeing a man checking for damage to his vehicle on the side of the road around the time of the accident.

Investigators describe the suspect vehicle as an older model Ford sedan, white or tan in color, with major damage to the right side. They said the vehicle could also have traces of black paint, transferred from the car he hit.

Friends and family identify the victim as William Sulpacio of Buena Park.

He was coming home from a post-Thanksgiving party on the southbound 405 Freeway near the Avalon Boulevard exit in Carson when investigators believe car trouble forced him to pull over to the shoulder of the freeway and check his car. It was then, they said, a driver hit and killed him.

The incident was reported about 2:25 a.m. Sunday morning.

Sulpacio's sisters spoke with NBC4 Monday, describing their older brother as someone who was always the life of the party.

"He walks into the room and he's just like 'hey everybody!'" said Christine Sulpacio, who fought back tears.

"If anyone knows him, they know he likes to make people laugh," said Sulpacio's other sister, Cindy.

The sisters had just spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Sulpacio.

"My heart dropped," said Cindy Sulpacio. "I was just lost for words. I couldn't believe it."

Investigators searched the freeway for hours Sunday morning, but were unable to find any evidence leading them to any clues. Monday, they announced a witness had come forward with a suspect vehicle description.

Sulpacio's sisters are urging anyone who saw anything to come forward.

"Just please turn yourself in," they pleaded.

The family has set up a bank account for anyone who would like to help with burial costs.