Distraught Wife: It's Time to Remember Eddie Costa
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 | Updated 12:55 PM PST
Costa's family members were at the restaurant when Weber showed up in the damaged truck.
The sobbing wife of a man killed in a hit-and-run accident December 2 says with the suspects arrest behind them, she can put her focus where it belongs-- mourning the death of Eddie Costa and remembering his life.
Travis Weber, the Alpine man accused of killing a cyclist in a hit-and-run accident December 2, has a record of driving under the influence according to court records.
Eddie Costa, 33, was riding his bicycle along Alpine Boulevard when he was struck by truck and killed.
Family and friends holding a vigil for Costa Thursday at the scene of the accident spotted a pickup truck with front-end damage parking outside the Liar's Club Bar just across the street. They took pictures of the truck and called the sheriff's department. Deputies arrived and arrested Weber.
A search of El Cajon court records reveals Weber has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in the past. In June 2005, he was arrested with a blood alcohol level of .22. Records show Weber has been in and out of Alcoholic Anonymous over the years.
It wasn't the first time Weber was in trouble with the law. He was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor cruelty to a child by inflicting injury on September 10, 2004 according to court documents.
Weber's truck was taken to CHP headquarters in El Cajon where investigators say they hope to match it with evidence left at the scene.
Costa's family said the arrest helps the family heal. "Seeing him and having him look into our eyes, not realizing what he did," said Michele Costa, the victim's sister. "It brings closure and it definitely brings a sense of relief knowing he's not on the streets anymore."
The Costa family plans a rosary Monday, December 8, from 5 to 7 p.m .at El Cajon Mortuary. Funeral services will Tuesday, December 9, at 9:30 am, St. Karen's Church in El Cajon and then back to Flynn Restaurant for a memorial service.
