MACON, Ga. — The Bibb County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man they believe struck and killed a child with his car and drove off, the sheriff's office said in a press release.
John Battle Jr, 40, was identified as the person of interest in the death of 3-year-old Royal Rhodes, who left his hotel room at the Suburban Studio Hotel and was hit by a car on Riverside Drive early Monday morning.
According to authorities, Rhodes's family called the sheriff's office after Royal went missing from their hotel room. But after searching, they found Rhodes unresponsive on Riverside Drive after being hit by a car.
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He was pronounced dead on the scene.
They say Battle is 5'10 and weighs approximately 180 pounds.
If you know where Battle is, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office asks you to call their office at 478-751-7500 or the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.
Jasmine Barnes, Rhodes' mother, says she wants justice for her son.
“I just want justice for Roy," she said. "I know he's tugging on my leg or my arm right now and saying, 'Mommy, mommy, I’m here, I’m here and I could feel it."
She says Royal was an angel and playful child.
“It was his smile," Barnes said. "I could have a rough day and I would see Roy, and he would just run to me and it was - it was his smile. It was just a smile. The smile made everybody's day."
She says Roy loved playing with his brothers and playing outside.
Barnes says she will be okay because of him, and he made her want to be a better mother.
“I love my baby boy," she said. "I’m going to miss him, but I know he's here."
