King City police searching for drivers in fatal hit-and-run

UPDATE: 2/8/2019 5:47 p.m. Candles, photos, and flowers lay in memory of 34-year-old, Robbie James Matthews, steps away from where he was hit and killed, last Wednesday.

“Everyone who ever met Robbie had love for him,” said Matthews’ friend, Jessie Walden.

King City Police said two cars hit Matthews as he crossed South First Street, last Wednesday night. Officers said both cars had driven away by the time they arrived and found Matthews’ lifeless body.

His long-time roommate, Wes Hyden, said Matthews was making his way back from Las Vegas on a Greyhound bus. Hyden said he knew something was wrong after not hearing from Matthews for several days. “I didn’t hear back from him, so Thursday I started getting nervous. Friday , I called around and no one knew where he was at. That’s when I put the missing persons report out,” said Hyden.

Monday, Matthews’ friends learned he had been killed. Five days later, friends and family are still searching for answers. “Why it took so long? It seems like a hit-and-run might be something you’d want to investigate quickly. Even if you don’t know who they are,” said Walden.

King City Police said the condition of Matthews’ body made it difficult to identify until several days after the crime. Nearby surveillance video did not capture the accident itself, but police have been able to narrow their search to 32 vehicles that could have been involved.

Friends of Matthews said they hope the investigation will give them closure. “Everybody loves Robbie. He’s really going to be missed,” said Hyden. “A genuine human being. Loved by everyone who ever met him,” said Walden.

UPDATE: 2/8/2019 11:49 a.m. The King City Police Department is looking for drivers involved in a fatal hit-and-run.

According to police, the deadly accident took place in the 700 block of South First Street around 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 30.

Robbie James Matthews, 34, of San Jose, was found lying on the street. Investigators determined he had been struck by at least two cars and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family and friends told KION a benefit has been scheduled on March 9, at the Caravan bar in San Jose to raise money for Robbie’s family.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the King City Police Department at 831-386-5986.

KION’s Megan Meier will have more on the deadly hit-and-run at 5 and 6 p.m.