Dodge pickup crashed into cemetery after speeding in Beloit
May 08, 2026 | Beloit, WI
What happened in the crash?
Beloit police arrested a man on May 8 in connection with a fatal crash that left one man dead.
Jacob T. Veliz Munoz, 22, of Beloit, died after a Dodge pickup crashed into a cemetery in the 1300 block of Woodward Avenue in Beloit.
- Date and time of crash: May 4, just after 10:45 p.m.
- Location: 1300 block of Woodward Avenue, Beloit, WI
- Vehicle involved: Silver 2005 Dodge pickup
- Outcome: Passenger airlifted, and died May 6 from injuries, driver charged with second-degree reckless homicide
Why do these accidents happen?
Officers responded to the 1300 block of Woodward Avenue just after 10:45 p.m. on May 4. Investigators said that a silver 2005 Dodge pickup was speeding before losing control and crashing into a Beloit cemetery. Several headstones were damaged.
The driver allegedly fled the scene, leaving a passenger inside the wrecked vehicle. The passenger was identified as 22-year-old Jacob T. Veliz Munoz of Beloit. He was pulled from the vehicle and airlifted to an area hospital. He died on May 6 from crash-related injuries. The driver was arrested on May 8 and charged with second-degree reckless homicide. The investigation continues.
Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| Hit-and-run crashes per minute | More than one | Federal Highway Administration |
| Annual U.S. hit-and-run fatalities | Over 1,000 | CDC |
| Leading contributing factors | Speeding, poor visibility | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but statistics indicate that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads.
In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect the rights of a victim. Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal
The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
Pending the investigation, the family of a victim could pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
Key takeaways
- Prompt investigation helps preserve critical evidence
- Road and lighting conditions often play a role in these cases
- Families may pursue compensation through wrongful death claims
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
All stories undergo rigorous review under our Corrections Policy, with a 24-hour response guarantee.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).