Spotsylvania County, Va. — The late hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025, brought a heart-wrenching tragedy to the 10200 block of Patriot Highway, when 61-year-old James Bijesse was struck by a fleeing vehicle and left to die in the dark. /Local authorities are now seeking the public’s help to shed light on what happened that night.
Deputies from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene just before midnight—at about 11:55 p.m.—after reports that a pedestrian had been hit. What they found was chilling: Bijesse lying motionless in the roadway. First responders from Spotsylvania Fire Rescue did everything they could, but Bijesse was pronounced dead on site. The driver responsible had vanished, leaving behind shock, questions, and grief.
Investigators from the county’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit have since taken over the case. They’re confirming that the vehicle involved fled before deputies arrived, and they’re now in active pursuit of any leads that might identify the driver. Officials are particularly urging residents to check any home security footage, dash cam recordings, or witness statements that could place a suspicious vehicle in the area that night.
Sheriff Roger L. Harris spoke with quiet solemnity in sharing his condolences to the Bijesse family and friends. “We cannot fully grasp your loss,” he said, “but you are in our thoughts and our resolve is to bring justice for James.” The sheriff’s office emphasizes that even seemingly small clues—odd behavior, transient damage to a car, or unexpected repairs—can be pivotal in a case like this.
Those wishing to submit tips can do so anonymously via phone at 1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822, or online through P3Tips.com and SpotsylvaniaCrimeSolvers.org. There’s also the P3Tips app available for Android and iOS, which allows submissions without revealing your identity. Investigators stress: any detail, no matter how trivial, could help turn the tide in this case.
As the community reels from the sudden departure of a life cut too short, the investigation presses on. For Bijesse—beloved by family and friends—a measure of peace may come only when the responsible party is held to account. If you saw anything, heard anything, or remember even a glimpse of a car in that area late on October 11, speak up. Justice for James depends on it.