Lewisville, TX — March 29, 2025, Grace Starr was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 11:20 p.m. on State Highway 121.
A preliminary accident report indicates an unknown vehicle was heading south near East Round Grove Road when it hit a pedestrian. The vehicle did not stop after the collision.
The pedestrian, 20-year-old Grace Starr, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.
The vehicle that hit Grace Starr has not been found, the report states.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Denton County crash.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are doing everything possible to uncover the full truth and provide answers to the loved ones left behind. A hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian often leaves the family searching for both justice and understanding. In this case, where the driver fled the scene and has yet to be identified, we must ask three key questions to guide the search for those answers.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Hit-and-run investigations rely on swift and thorough scene work. Did officers recover any vehicle debris, paint chips or tire marks that might help identify the make and model of the vehicle involved? Were surveillance cameras in the area — traffic cams, business security systems or home doorbell cameras — checked for footage? Given the time of night and the roadway involved, lighting conditions, pedestrian visibility and potential line-of-sight obstructions also need to be carefully assessed. All of this information can help reconstruct the crash and possibly lead to the vehicle responsible.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash, especially if the vehicle is eventually located? While leaving the scene is an egregious act, it’s still important to understand whether mechanical issues played a role in the collision. Was the vehicle’s lighting system functioning properly? Did the driver experience a steering or brake failure that limited their ability to avoid the pedestrian? If the vehicle is recovered, it should be preserved for a complete forensic examination before any repairs or disposal occur. That step could be crucial in understanding not only how the crash happened but why.
Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected, or is there a plan to retrieve it once the vehicle is identified? Many modern vehicles are equipped with engine control modules and telematics systems that track speed, location and driver inputs. If the suspect vehicle is found, these systems could confirm its involvement. Additionally, any GPS data or cell phone records from the driver could help place them at the scene. For the pedestrian, a cell phone or wearable device may also provide movement data that could aid investigators in establishing where and how she was walking before the impact. All of this information is time-sensitive and must be preserved quickly.
Crashes like this demand a full, relentless investigation. A young woman lost her life, and the driver responsible has yet to be held accountable. By asking the right questions, preserving the evidence, and pursuing every lead, we not only improve the chances of justice being served. We also ensure that those affected receive the clarity they so deeply deserve. That’s the least we owe to anyone taken from their family in circumstances like these.
