The family of a 14-year-old boy killed by a city garbage truck is decrying what they call “improper hiring” on the second anniversary of the fatal crash.
Collin Jacob Liston died Jan. 2, 2024, at the intersection of North Dixie Avenue and Georgia Avenue when a City of Titusville truck reversed into his dirt bike and Collin was run over. While a formal investigation found the driver at fault, Collin’s family released a statement Friday asserting his death was “easily preventable” and caused by systemic city failures.
“Due to improper hiring practices, poor maintenance of city equipment and reckless driving, a young teen was killed,” the family stated. They allege the Titusville Police Department failed to perform due diligence, claiming evidence gathering was incomplete and documented poorly.
Investigation records show the driver, Marcus Latravious Hoper Sr., had seven prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license. On the day of the crash, Hoper was operating a truck with a malfunctioning rear camera and failed to use amber warning lights. Officers also found a THC vape pen in the seat of the truck.
Hoper told investigators he was using a side-mounted camera for garbage bins instead of the backup camera. He was issued a citation for improper backing involving a death, a penalty the family calls “insufficient.”
The family also took aim at legal oversight, stating they do not believe the attorney general “carefully reviewed” evidence when a request for criminal charges was made. “The city accepted no responsibility for their employee nor wrongdoing or inept investigation,” the family said.
The City of Titusville terminated Hoper on Jan. 19, 2024, for personnel policy violations. While a civil suit has been settled, the State Attorney’s office has declined to file criminal charges in the case.
Author: titusvillemedia
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