A 23-year-old Dallas man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian in Pleasant Grove earlier this month. Investigators say surveillance footage, license plate reader technology, physical evidence recovered at the scene, and a series of incriminating text messages helped identify the suspect, whose damaged vehicle was later found concealed behind his residence.
Fatal Crash Happened on Buckner Boulevard
According to the Dallas Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Buckner Boulevard and Elam Road shortly after 10:10 p.m. on July 1 following reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
Investigators said 32-year-old Michael Turner was crossing the roadway when he was hit by a white sedan traveling at what police described as a high rate of speed.
The impact threw Turner approximately 60 feet, and the driver fled the scene without stopping to provide aid or contact emergency services.
Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel pronounced Turner dead at the scene.
Jesus Manuel Ayala Charged
Police have charged Jesus Manuel Ayala, 23, with collision involving death, a felony offense, in connection with the deadly crash.
According to court documents, detectives spent several days piecing together evidence before identifying Ayala as the suspected driver.
Surveillance Video Captured the Suspect Vehicle
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby Murphy USA gas station, which captured the moments surrounding the crash.
The video allegedly showed what appeared to be a white Ford Crown Victoria leaving the scene immediately after striking the pedestrian.
While processing the crash scene, officers also recovered the vehicle’s driver-side mirror, which had a distinctive feature—black duct tape wrapped around it.
That detail later became a critical piece of evidence.
License Plate Readers Helped Track the Vehicle
Police used automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to trace a white Ford Crown Victoria bearing an Oklahoma license plate traveling near the crash location both before and after the collision.
Investigators noted that video recorded after the crash showed the vehicle was missing its driver’s side mirror, matching the mirror recovered from the roadway.
The combination of surveillance footage and license plate reader data led detectives to focus on Ayala.
Earlier Police Encounter Linked Ayala to the Car
According to the arrest affidavit, detectives reviewed records from a January police encounter involving the same white Ford Crown Victoria.
During that earlier interaction, an officer reportedly documented that the vehicle’s driver-side mirror had been repaired using black duct tape.
Police said Ayala identified himself as the owner of the vehicle during that encounter, further connecting him to the car involved in the fatal hit-and-run.
Ayala Denied Driving the Vehicle
Detectives interviewed Ayala by telephone on July 3.
According to investigators, Ayala claimed he had left his vehicle at his residence and was asleep at an apartment on Highland Road when the collision occurred.
He reportedly told detectives that no one else regularly drove the car but acknowledged that the ignition was not locked, adding that he did not know who might have used it.
However, investigators said license plate reader images contradicted his account.
According to the affidavit, the Crown Victoria was seen being driven less than an hour before the crash, and detectives believed the silhouette visible through the vehicle’s rear window matched Ayala’s distinctive hairstyle.
Damaged Vehicle Found Hidden Under a Tarp
On July 8, officers searched Ayala’s residence and located the suspected vehicle hidden behind a fence.
According to investigators, the Crown Victoria had been:
- Covered with a tarp and miscellaneous items.
- Missing its rear license plate.
- Missing the driver’s side mirror.
- Showing damage consistent with striking a pedestrian.
Police believe the vehicle had been intentionally concealed following the deadly collision.
Text Messages Became Key Evidence
The investigation also uncovered text messages that prosecutors say Ayala exchanged with the mother of his child shortly after the crash.
According to the affidavit, Ayala initially sent a message saying:
“Hey it’s important call me back.”
When she asked what had happened, investigators say he replied:
“I can’t say over the phone. If I get locked up just know I did my best. I’ll be out soon I promise.”
As she continued asking questions, Ayala allegedly sent another message stating:
“I can only tell you in person. I’m sorry. Don’t worry about me. I’m so stupid.”
When she specifically asked whether he still had his vehicle, investigators say Ayala responded:
“Yes I can’t talk otp police are surrounding my house. They passed by 5 times idk I put my car away.”
According to police, the timing of those text messages matched officers’ activity near Ayala’s residence as investigators worked to identify the suspect vehicle.
Victim’s Family Wants Justice
Before Ayala’s arrest, Michael Turner’s family publicly pleaded for the driver to be found and held accountable.
Turner’s mother, Elisa Estrada, said she hoped the person responsible would face serious consequences.
She told reporters she wanted the driver arrested and imprisoned, saying no family should have to endure such a tragic loss.
Investigation Continues
Jesus Manuel Ayala now faces a felony charge of collision involving death.
The Dallas Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and prosecutors will determine whether any additional charges are appropriate as the case proceeds through the court system.
