An Endless Wait for Justice: The Unsolved Super Bowl Hit-and-Run

The incident: A fatal night on Godwin Boulevard

According to the Suffolk Police Department, officers responded to the 6200 block of Godwin Boulevard just before 10:45 PM on February 12, 2023, following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, they found Kendrick Jackson, who had been hit by at least one vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial and ongoing investigation revealed a particularly callous sequence of events. Police determined that two separate vehicles struck Jackson and that both drivers fled the scene before officers arrived. The vehicles were identified through evidence as:

• A blue 2011-2013 Toyota Highlander
• A white 2019-2023 Dodge Ram truck

Both drivers were last seen traveling toward Isle of Wight County. The police have publicly stated they are looking to identify and locate these two individuals, making clear that both are wanted for leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

The unending investigation and a mother's mission

Despite the passage of time, the Suffolk Police Department's investigation remains active. Authorities have consistently implored the public for help, asking anyone who witnessed the crash, saw the vehicles, or knows the drivers' identities to come forward.

The most profound and public face of this tragedy is Kendrick Jackson's mother. Her fight has evolved from seeking justice for her son to preventing future tragedies in the same location. This shift from private grief to public advocacy is a common, yet arduous, path for families who feel failed by both the perpetrators and the system. Her campaign highlights a critical issue in road safety: poorly lit, dangerous stretches of road that become death traps for pedestrians.

The broader impact: Why this unsolved case matters

The unresolved death of Kendrick Jackson is not just a distant news story. It is a stark case study in several harsh legal and personal realities:

1. The severe consequences of fleeing a scene: This case exemplifies the worst possible outcome of the decision to leave an accident. In Virginia, as in all states, failing to stop and render aid at the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a serious felony. The drivers of the Highlander and Ram now face potential charges far more severe than any they might have faced by stopping
2. The complexities of hit-and-run investigations: Without drivers coming forward, police rely on forensic evidence, traffic camera footage (if any), and public tips. The lack of resolution after three years shows how difficult these cases can be to solve, often leaving families in a state of perpetual anguish without closure or the ability to pursue civil accountability
3. The civil legal pathway for families: Even without criminal charges, Jackson's family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. However, such a case requires identifying the defendants. An unsolved criminal investigation can effectively block the civil path to financial compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering
4. Infrastructure and accountability: His mother's push for streetlights raises a critical question about municipal responsibility. If a road is known to be dangerously dark and unfit for pedestrians, could the city bear some liability? These are complex claims that require detailed investigation,  but highlight how advocacy can spur necessary safety changes

The path forward: Seeking closure and change

As of early 2026, the Suffolk Police still list this as an active case. The public plea for information on the blue Toyota Highlander and white Dodge Ram remains in effect. 

Any case that garners continued media attention, as this one has, increases the chance that a tip may eventually break it open. As such, anyone with information about this case may submit a tip anonymously by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or through this online portal. 

For families living through similar nightmares, this case is a painful reminder of the importance of persistence—both in pushing law enforcement and in advocating for systemic change to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run accident, the independent attorneys we connect you with understand the unique challenges of these cases. They can help navigate the investigation, explore all avenues for justice, and fight for the compensation families deserve while advocating for the changes needed to make our roads safer for everyone.