Photos Released In Search For Fatal Monroe Hit-And-Run Suspect

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Last week, we reported on the tragic story of an Elizabeth man who was on his way to work when he was hit and killed by another driver in a pre-dawn hit-and-run in Monroe Township.

44-year-old Jose Cedillo, of Elizabeth, was headed to his job at Cooper Electric in Monroe last Thursday, Nov. 30 and driving down Applegarth Road. Just before 5 a.m., another driver hit his black 2017 Nissan Titan pick-up truck, and Cedillo pulled over at the corner of Applegarth Road and Forsgate Drive to inspect the damage, police said.

But that's when he was hit by another car — possibly the same car that hit him initially — which then fled the scene.

Another driver passing by found Cedillo lying on the side of the road next to his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind a wife in Elizabeth and their dogs.

"They have been married for 12 years," family friend Laurie Vigeant told Patch. "Leslie and Jose do not have any children. Their pets are their children. The driver hit him and left the scene of the accident, leaving Jose to die on the side of the road."

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Monroe Police Chief Michael Lloyd released these photos Tuesday, showing the damage to Cedillo's pick-up. They are also offering a cash reward to anyone who anonymously provides information leading to an arrest in the case.

Related: Family Begs For Answers, Justice In Monroe Hit And Run

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County, Inc., a non-profit organization that partners with law enforcement to enable the public to anonymously submit crime information and will pay a cash reward should it lead to an arrest. Tip information may be provided anonymously by calling 1-800-939-9600 or submitted online at www.middlesextips.com. Tips may also be sent by text messaging 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword: “midtip” followed by the tip information.

Anyone with information can also call Sgt. Keith Saloom of the Monroe Police Department at (732) 521-0222, or Detective Craig Marchak of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3254.