Benny Manning Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident near Copperas Cove, TX

Update (January 2, 2026): Authorities said the driver of a 2015 Dodge Ram pickup has been charged with failure to stop and render aid in connection with this accident.

Coryell County, TX — December 26, 2025, Benny Manning was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 5 p.m. in the 2500 block of Grimes Crossing Road.

Authorities said a motorcycle apparently was hit by another vehicle near the intersection with Bea Powell Road. The heavily damaged motorcycle was spotted along the road by a passerby.

The motorcyclist, 63-year-old Copperas Cove resident Benny Ray Manning, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Coryell County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When something terrible happens on a quiet road, it naturally leaves folks wondering not just how it happened, but whether everything possible is being done to understand it. It’s especially troubling when someone loses their life and questions about what exactly occurred remain unanswered. In moments like this, it’s worth pausing to consider whether key steps in the investigation are truly being followed.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In crashes involving motorcycles, especially suspected hit-and-runs, it’s crucial that investigators dig deeper than a surface-level review. That means more than just noting skid marks or vehicle positions. In a case like this, thorough crash reconstruction is essential. Did they laser map the scene? Have they tried to determine the path and speed of each vehicle before impact? And importantly, have they considered whether the absence of a suspected vehicle means missed evidence? Not every investigating agency has the same level of training or equipment, and that can leave major gaps if assumptions are made too early.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? In hit-and-run situations, it’s easy to focus only on the missing driver. But what if the motorcycle itself malfunctioned; say, a locked brake, a steering issue or a blown tire? When a bike is found heavily damaged and no other vehicle is immediately located, mechanical failure can’t be ruled out unless there’s a proper inspection. Too often, damaged motorcycles are quickly cleared from the road without a full teardown, which means any signs of defect are lost before they’re even looked for.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? A modern motorcycle may store key ride data, like throttle position, braking and GPS movement. If a passing vehicle was involved, nearby traffic cameras or dashcam footage could be vital. And phones, both from the victim and any possible witnesses, often hold clues like location history or call logs that paint a clearer picture of what happened. If none of this has been gathered, the investigation is likely missing essential context.

It’s one thing to say a crash is under investigation, but another thing entirely to ensure it’s being done with care, time and expertise. Every piece of overlooked data or skipped step only increases the risk that critical answers remain hidden, and that’s something no community can afford to accept quietly.

Key Takeaways:

• Not all agencies have the tools or training to fully reconstruct a hit-and-run crash scene.
• Mechanical failure on the motorcycle should be considered and ruled out through inspection.
• Electronic data from the motorcycle, phones or nearby cameras might reveal what really happened.