Town of Evans Police and the FBI have uncovered new information involving last year’s deadly hit-and-run.
Barry Moss was hit and killed while walking along Route 5 near Gold Street last December. The only suspect in the 52-year-old’s death is Gabriele Ballowe, an Angola businesswoman, and owner of the South Shore Beach Club, which is now up for sale.
Police say the vehicle that hit Moss, a Ford Explorer, is registered to Ballowe. That vehicle has been logged as evidence for the last year.
Moss’ family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ballowe but a grand jury dismissed the case based of a lack of evidence.
"It's like holding your breath for a very long time, and just waiting," said Maria Wrafter, Moss' sister.
The family says, justice has not been served, and they're hoping this new evidence will be just what's needed to re-open the case.
"When a loved one is wronged and they're not able to fight for themselves...you can't rest," Wrafter said.
Police say the new evidence is witness-based, credible, and takes the case in a new direction.
"As any law enforcement officer would tell you, we get a lot of leads," said Chief Ernest Masullo of the Evans Police Department. "Usually, leads dead end. This one didn't dead end."
Chief Masullo says, because of this new evidence, they know there are witnesses out there who know exactly what happened. Police and the Moss family are urging everyone to come forward.
"If there's anyone out there who can make the difference, who knows something about one of the witnesses or about the suspect can you come forward now," pleaded Wrafter. "Can you change your mind about keeping quiet?"
The new information that has been gathered by police will be turned over to the Erie County District Attorney in hopes of re-opening the case and bringing the driver who struck and killed Moss to justice.
An $11,000 reward is being offered for information in this case. Call the Evans Police tipline at 716-217-3585.
