DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department issued a material witness warrant for the owner of a minivan that was involved in a deadly hit an run accident in October 2024.

42-year-old Justin Romaine was killed in the accident and two others were injured.

Romaine’s sister, Emily Romaine, said she hopes the owner of the vehicle comes forward.

“I just want him to come forward. I just want him to do the right thing. Like I said, if he did do it, just admit it. Own up to it. You know, he killed my brother. And that’s not okay. So that left a hole in my heart. And my daughter doesn’t get to grow up with her uncle now,” Romaine said.

Romaine said her brother was getting his life on track when he was killed.

“I just never thought this would happen to me or my family, especially my brother. He was on the right path to getting sober and, you know, trying to find a job and just doing the right thing and that was taken from him and he was taken from us. And that’s not fair. I, I miss my brother terribly,” Romaine said.

The Des Moines Police Department is looking for 32-year-old Renato Virves, according to department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek.

Police said Virves was the owner of the van involved in the hit-and-run crash in the 800 block of Army Post Road on October 9, 2024. The eastbound van hit three pedestrians who were crossing the street to the south.