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FBCSO arrests suspect in hit-and-run death of 61-year-old man who was riding bike near Needville

Construction workers found the body of Enrique Godinez in a ditch on June 11 and his bicycle was found nearby. Investigators believe he'd been there since May 24.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect in the hit-and-run death of a 61-year-old bicyclist. 

Emilio Cruz Jr., 33, is charged with failure to stop and render aid after allegedly hitting the victim's bike on FM 361 at Pine Meadow Lane, which is just off Highway 36 between Rosenberg and Needville.

Construction workers found Enrique Godinez's body in a ditch on June 11 and his bicycle was found nearby. Investigators believe he had been there since May 24.  

The sheriff's office said the victim's family filed a missing persons report with the Rosenberg Police Department on May 28 and said the Godinez had been missing since May 19.

After his body and bicycle were found, FBCSO investigators learned that an accident and stalled vehicle on FM 361 had been reported by a Lamar Consolidated Independent School District officer on May 24. A FBCSO deputy was sent to the location to investigate and he spoke with the driver. 

Investigators now believe Cruz, who was driving the stalled vehicle, hit the victim's bicycle before his vehicle stalled. Cruz was arrested this week and charged.

"Our deputies and investigators have worked tirelessly on this case to bring clarity to such a tragic incident," Sheriff Eric Fagan said. "Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel for the Godinez family."

Cruz's bond was set at $100,000.

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