Man sought in fatal hit & run case

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - KRQE News 13 is learning more about the Roswell mom and her four-year-old son killed this weekend in a hit and run crash.

Police are searching for a man they've named a "person of interest," who they believe was inside vehicle that caused the crash, which is believed to be alcohol-related.  

The search continues for 21-year-old Joel Cordoba-Lopez, a man police said may have fled the scene.

In the meantime, co-workers and friends of the mother who was killed are dealing with the shock.

"Her kids were her life...everywhere she went the kids were right there," said friend, and co-worker Anita Montoya, of Mandy Miranda.

"She was the type that if you were down she would just come and try and lift your spirit," said co-worker Cynthia Amaya.

That's how friends and co-workers describe 30-year-old Mandy Miranda, and the relationship she had with her four-year-old son "little Joe," and six-year-old daughter Mariah.

Mandy and little Joe were the ones killed in the hit and run crash Sunday. Mariah suffered minor injuries, and was released from a local hospital to family.
     
Sylvia Chavez said she and Mandy clocked out together Friday. "She turned around and she said hey, don't ever forget I love you, and of course I said Mandy I love you too, and that was the last time I seen her after work Friday here," Chavez recalled.

Police said Mandy and her two kids were at southeast Main and Brasher, when a Cadillac Escalade smashed into them from behind. The Escalade flipped, and the driver ran from the scene on foot.

"The car was going at a much lesser speed than the Escalade was, so he was definitely speeding, what speed he was going at, I do not know," said Sabrina Morales, information liaison for the Roswell Police Department.

Monday, police announced their search for Lopez, who they believe was inside the Escalade during the crash, and may have sustained injuries.
     
Bottles of alcohol found at the scene have investigators suspecting alcohol was a factor in the crash.

"Her last words to me that night was that she loved me and she'd see me at church Sunday morning," said Montoya, who was with Mandy the night of the crash.

Shortly after Mandy dropped Montoya off at home, Montoya said she heard about the crash. "I didn't believe it, I went to her house to look for her car and she wasn't home," Montoya recalled, crying.

"We're going to miss her, and she's with us in spirit," said Montoya.

Friends told KRQE News 13 little Joe was excited to start kindergarten next week. They said his sister, Mariah is having a tough time, but she has a lot of family support.  

Police believe Lopez may be in the Roswell, Artesia, or the Dexter area. Anyone who sees him is asked to call Roswell Police immediately.