Police are looking for a black man, about 5 ’10, 170 pounds, with dark bushy hair, who “at least one witness” saw speaking to murder victim Zoe Hastings Sunday afternoon, minutes before she went missing, says Max Geron of the crimes against persons division at a press conference Tuesday.
Between 4:40-5 p.m., when Hastings presumably was returning a Redbox movie at the Walgreens on Peavy and Garland, the witness reported seeing the man speaking with a woman matching Hastings’ description, as she sat in a white minivan matching the description of the Hastings’ vehicle, which was later recovered along with Zoe’s body in a Lochwood creek bed. Moments later, after an unheard exchange of words, the woman reportedly moved to the passenger side and the man entered the driver’s side and drove away, according to the witness.
Shortly thereafter Hastings’ minivan may have been involved in a collision at Peavy and Newcombe in East Dallas, Geron says. “Miss Hastings vehicle appears to have collided with a speed limit sign and we have evidence to corroborate this.” Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward. Specifically, they believe a woman spoke with someone about seeing the collision, and police are looking for that witness.
Police also ask anyone with home surveillance video who lives in the area surrounding Peavy and Newcombe, or around the crime scene in Lochwood, in the 11700 block of Dixfield, search their footage for images of the white minivan.
Police — with the help of volunteers — have canvassed the area and area businesses and will continue to do so, Geron says. They have followed up on several tips, including those circulating around social media. He thanked volunteers and tipsters for their help.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit 214.671 .3584. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.