Pedestrian found dead along Starke County roadway in apparent hit-and-run

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 8:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Starke County authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run after a pedestrian was found dead along a rural roadway Saturday evening.

At approximately 5:52 p.m. on June 27, deputies with the Starke County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to the area of County Road 350 W. and County Road 500 S. near North Judson following a report of an unresponsive individual lying alongside the road. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the individual deceased.

Responding deputies observed injuries consistent with the person having been struck by a vehicle. Vehicle debris was also recovered in the roadway near the scene, though no vehicle was present when deputies arrived.

Starke County Sheriff's detectives responded to process the scene and collect evidence. Based on findings from the investigation, authorities believe the suspect vehicle is a black passenger car with front-end damage.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Starke County Sheriff's Department. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the tip hotline at 574-772-5958.