Cops announce suspect in teen's death

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- There has been a break in the case of a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a hit and run crash in New Haven.

Kyshant Moore Jr. was riding his bike in January of 2011 when he was struck on Front Street.

Since then family members have been waiting for answers.

Tuesday police announced they've caught a juvenile suspect in the case.

The victim's father, Kyshant Moore Sr. says his mind was going a mile a minute, planning a memorial event at his son's school next month. That's when he got the call from police saying, "we tracked down the driver."

"When I see his baby pictures, I'm like, that's my baby, they took my baby from me," said Moore.

Police say Kyshant Moore Jr. was riding his bike to a friend's house on Front Street when he was struck by a driver who took off. Police say that driver is a 17 year-old who is already in a detention facility on unrelated charges.

Police say the suspect was in a stolen mini-van when he intentionally opened the driver's door, striking and killing Moore Jr.

"It is a manslaughter, it was an intentional act," said Officer Rose Dell, lead investigator.

Police say tracking down the suspect, who has an extensive criminal background, was complicated.

"It was done through a comparison of this case to similarities with other cases and other crimes that were committed," Officer Dell said.

Internationally known forensics expert Dr. Henry Lee was also a big help.

Moore Sr. says he's grateful the family has some answers, but life has not been the same without his boy.

"I feel like I was cheated," said Moore Sr. "I raised this boy."

To stay positive, the family has been planning a party for what would've been Moore's 16th Birthday, on Halloween. It will be a trick-or-treat event at Wexler Community School for kids. It will also be part of a Scholarship Fund, winning a prize that Kyshant would've loved.

"We give a tuxedo, a limousine, and a haircut to an eighth grader who had good academics and perfect attendance," said Moore Sr. "That's all he kept talking about was his eighth grade prom, his eight grade prom."

The family is excited to present the first winner this Spring. The Halloween party is free and will be held on October 31st from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Wexler Grant Community School cafe, located at 55 Foote Street, in New Haven.