A man faces 25 years to life in prison for allegedly running down his brother in a hit-and-run crash Sunday night.
Camilo Perez-Ruiz, 37, has been accused of intentionally running down his brother, Joaquin, and then leaving the scene, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Homicide Unit.
Camilo appeared in court Friday and pleaded not guilty to the murder charges of his 44-year-old brother.
Prosecutors said the two had been arguing about a job in Mexico and almost began punching eachother at an Encinitas residence, but a friend intervened.
Joaquin, who has seven children who live in Mexico, took off on foot along the sidewalk on Villa Cardiff Drive in Encinitas His brother followed him with his truck, drove onto the sidewalk and intentionally struck him, investigators said.
Camilo drove away from the scene but returned later on foot. He called 911 to report the injury and fled again, investigators said.
Deputies found Joaquin at about 11:30 p.m. and called medics for help. He was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after.
Camilo was arrested at his home Wednesday. Prosecutors said Friday Camilo and his family went to the fire department to ask how they could help. One of the authorities at the fire station recognized Camilo from the scene and questioned him. He then told police he was responsible for the crash, prosecutors said.
According to a neighbor, deputies showed up at Camilo’s house, took him into custody and towed away his red truck, which had visible damage to the front end.
Another neighbor, Michelle Urlacher, told NBC 7 San Diego that Camilo is married with young children.
“I just see them playing with their kids; they've been really nice,” said Urlacher.
Camilo was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. He has a $5 million bail and faces 25 years to life in prison.
Meanwhile, Joaquin’s family members have put up a makeshift memorial at the site of the hit and run crash.
“[Joaquin was a hard working guy. Every day he was working for his family. He has a big family with seven kids and a wife, living in Oaxaca, “said Joaquin’s niece Silvia Perez.
