DailyKenn.com — Authorities in Pennsylvania have identified the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run as an undocumented immigrant.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to Fox News Digital that Saul Rivera-Ramirez, 25, was in the U.S. illegally and had been deported before.
"ERO Philadelphia can confirm that Saul Ramirez-Rivera is a noncitizen unlawfully present in the United States. He was previously removed and re-entered without authorization," an ICE spokesperson said in a statement.
"Following his arrest, ERO Philadelphia issued an immigration detainer with the Allegheny County Jail. However, due to current policies, it is unlikely the detainer will be honored," the statement added.
The Allegheny County Police Department announced that Rivera-Ramirez was arrested in connection with the hit-and-run that killed 23-year-old Christian Sluka.
The crash occurred late Saturday, shortly before 11 p.m., when a vehicle struck a motorcycle.
Authorities stated that Rivera-Ramirez was driving a red Ford Taurus and fled the scene on foot with a woman and a child.
Rivera-Ramirez is now facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and driving without a license. He is being held at the Allegheny County Jail, awaiting a preliminary arraignment.
A GoFundMe page set up by Sydney Goisse to honor Sluka describes him as a beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend. "Christian was selfless, hardworking, and talented. His family and community will never be the same without him," the post reads.
Social media tributes have poured in for Sluka, who, according to a Facebook post from Gold Mountain Music, was a bass player for the band Osprey.
"I am heartbroken by the loss of Christian Sluka," the post reads. "He wasn’t just an incredible bass player; he was an even better person—always there for his family and friends. He was a core member of our community, and his presence at our events will be deeply missed. Whether performing on stage or supporting others, Christian's generosity and spirit touched everyone who knew him."
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