My name is Harjot Chima. In the early morning hours of Jan. 18, 1992, my oldest brother Jessy Chima was tragically killed in a hit-and-run on Highway 99 near Galt. At that moment, my parents lost their beloved eldest son. I lost my idolized big brother. The world lost a good-hearted, bright, handsome 22-year-old man.
This emotional email is being written with hopes of being published in your newspaper, bringing to light a story which has had an impact on many people for more than two decades.
Jessy, a Galt High graduate, was the oldest of three brothers. He worked part-time at Alhambra Water Co. while also attending Cosumnes River College.
Four days shy of his 23rd birthday, after a night out with his friends, Jessy was driving home when his pickup truck hit the center oleanander bushes and flipped over. He survived the roll-over and exited his pickup.
As Jessy crossed the northbound lanes to get to safety, he was struck by one or more vehicles.
CHP investigators labeled Jessy's death "very mysterious," due to the lack of debris or skid marks left at the scene. There wasn't a bit of evidence to evualate. With few witnesses and no concrete evidence, the case went cold.
The exact events which took my brother's life may never be known. Was it an accident? Was it intentional? I do not know.
However, accidental or not, no attempt was even made to swerve or brake to avoid hitting my brother. The driver(s) never stopped to help Jessy, never called the authorities, never came forward at all.
I suppose Jessy's life or his family's heartache did not matter much to them. They went on with their lives with zero remorse, as if nothing happened.
For 21 years, they have chosen to do exactly what they did after taking Jessy's life, what most cowardly criminals do, which is run. This inhumane reaction and lack of self-accoutibility has left a void in my life.
I have learned time doesn't stop for anyone for anything. That is just a part of life. Sometimes we are faced with these harsh realities.
It's time someone does the right thing, and comes forward with any and all information they may have. This information is long overdue. It's time for broken-hearted parents to know what happened to their first-born. It's time for a pair of brothers to find out what happened to their big brother. It's time we have justice for Jessy.
Many circumstances can change over a span of two decades. It is my hope someone can release their dark secret and clear their chest of this sad crime. Perhaps a former partner, loved one, or friend who holds suspicion or information about the events, or possibly even the driver(s) involved, have matured and garnered the courage to come forward and reveal the answers.
"Better late than never" is the old saying. We are already 21 years late, let's not proceed to make it never.
Harjot Chima
Galt
Harjot Chima posted at 2:06 pm on Sat, Jan 26, 2013.
Please contact (209) 570-1486 regarding any and all tips, information, suspicions, or thoughts. Phone calls or text messages are both accepted.
Harjot Chima posted at 7:13 pm on Wed, Jan 23, 2013.
Mr Maurer and Mr Ingram, Thank You both very much for expressing support and well wishes.
robert maurer posted at 3:58 pm on Tue, Jan 22, 2013.
I remember reading about that in the LNS. I would guess that the driver(s) which were at fault were not driving with insurance;were on probation; had warrents out for their arrests;or do not care about personal responsibility.I have been the victim of 2 hit and runs and had a young relative killed in a hit and run. My prayers go out to you and your family big time despite the fact that I was almost killed by a few that were here in the USA illegally. I pray that all injustices be righted and that we all own up to our mistakes. May your(s)and my god be with us as one.
Bobcatbob Ingram posted at 8:51 am on Sat, Jan 19, 2013.
Well Harjot Chima I hope your message reaches those responsible and they can confess.