Grieving Fayetteville man reflects on 18-year-old grandson's hit-and-run death

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Fayetteville grandfather is grieving after his grandson was hit and killed while riding his bike last Friday, and police have now identified the driver accused of striking him and leaving the scene.

Investigators said the 18-year-old was riding his bike when a vehicle hit him and kept going. Despite being in disbelief, the teen's grandfather says he forgives the driver.

"He was a very special person," said William Johnson, who looked down at a photo of his grandson, Kenyun Monte Johnson, remembering the memories they shared and his infectious smile.

"He was a gentle giant. He was like 6-8, and he was really sweet," he said.

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Johnson said the family is still struggling to process the loss. "This is something you never expect," he said.

Police said Johnson was riding a mountain bike south on 71st Street School Road about 8 p.m., heading to a game, when he was fatally struck by a black vehicle allegedly driven by 24-year-old Khaleek Barnes.

Barnes' mother told ABC11 that he left work, went to Bojangles, and believed he struck something but didn't realize what it was. She said she gave him a week to turn himself in, but police later apprehended him.

Barnes appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, telling the judge he was scared and nervous. His mother sat in the courtroom, emotional, wiping away tears.

After the hearing, she saw Johnson's grandfather outside the courtroom, and she repeatedly apologized as she grew overwhelmed. Johnson hugged her, telling her he forgives her.

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Barnes' bond was set at $250,000.

Johnson told ABC11 his son has been struggling with the loss.

Earlier this week, the Fayetteville Police Department released a photo of a different vehicle while seeking the public's help. After combing through more surveillance footage, investigators say they had a breakthrough in the case. "We were able to continue going through more vehicles and said 'wait, that isn't the vehicle and were able to identify the actual vehicle," said Sgt. Alpha Caldwell, public information officer for Fayetteville police.

Barnes' car was later found parked in his garage. In court, he told the judge he struck something but didn't realize what it was.

Despite the pain, Johnson says he forgives Bares. "I would actually like to put my arms around him and tell him that I love him and that if it was truly an accident, I forgive him"

Johnson said his family is praying for the driver's family as they navigate the situation.