Morristown Hit-And-Run Suspect Was Deported Years Ago, Returned To US, Feds Say

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The man accused of running someone over with his car and killing him in Morristown was deported years ago, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Police believe Wilson “Adrian” Morocho-Necta, 33, an Ecuadorian national living in Morristown, was behind the wheel of a truck that killed a pedestrian last week.

According to the DHS, Necta was deported to Mexico in 2019 and "illegally re-entered the U.S. at an unknown place and time," federal officials say.

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

Read More: Morristown Victim ID’d As Police Search For Hit-And-Run Driver

On March 20, around 7 a.m., police were called to Sussex Avenue in Morristown on a report that a pedestrian was pinned under a truck, officials said.

Authorities said Necta jumped out of the truck and fled on foot following the incident.

The pedestrian, Justo Pilco-Tenesaca, 68, of Morristown, was taken to Morristown Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Related: Community Rallies To Send Morristown Hit-And-Run Victim’s Body Home

Investigators are still searching for Necta, who is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and endangering an injured victim by leaving the scene.

Anyone with information on the crash or Necta's whereabouts is asked to call the Morristown Police at 973-538-2200 or Morris County Crimestoppers 973-267-2255.