Months after a fiery hit-and-run crash killed 27-year-old Savana Pendarvis, her family said the pain has not eased, and neither has their frustration as the man accused of causing the crash remains missing.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is still searching for 23-year-old Alexander Rivera-Russo, who investigators said was driving more than 100 miles per hour on University Boulevard South before crashing into Pendarvis’ car on Jan. 2.

Now, nearly five months later, Savana’s sister, Haleigh Smith, is speaking out. She said the family is desperate for answers, justice, and an arrest.

“I don’t know for sure where he is, but I know who’s hiding him, and he has a bunch of people that are involved,” Haleigh said.

According to JSO, the crash happened around 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 2 near University Boulevard South and Atlantic Boulevard.

Police said a Nissan and a Dodge Challenger were traveling northbound when witnesses reported the Challenger speeding well over 100 mph. Investigators identified the Challenger driver as Rivera-Russo.

JSO said Rivera-Russo crashed into Pendarvis’ Nissan, sending both cars off the road. Pendarvis’ car struck a telephone pole and caught fire. Rivera-Russo’s car then crossed into southbound traffic and hit a Toyota Camry near Saint Cecilia Road. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue pronounced Pendarvis dead at the scene.

Police said Rivera-Russo ran away from the crash, never stopping to call for help or assist the victims.

For Smith, the loss still feels unreal.

“It’s like my world just shut down,” she said. “I thought it was a joke. I thought it was a cruel joke.”

Smith described her older sister as creative, compassionate, and mature beyond her years.

“She was always loved,” Smith said. “She loved to read, to write.”

Pendarvis attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for creative writing and had recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree. According to Smith, she had been working in dispatch and was excited to begin her career.

On the day of the crash, Smith said Savana had been out shopping and was headed home. She had called a friend, excited to show off a thrift haul when she got back.

“She was the sweetest soul that you could meet,” Smith said. “I wish people knew her name while she was living.”

In the months since the crash, Smith said one detail has been especially painful for the family to process.

The medical examiner determined Savana died from smoke inhalation after the crash, not from the impact itself.

“We all assumed that it was from impact,” Smith said. “But then the autopsy came back, and she had died from smoke inhalation.”

Smith said learning that detail intensified her anger after discovering the suspect had left the scene.

“I was so angry,” she said. “I didn’t understand how you could leave somebody in that state and not have any care for how they were going to end up.”

She believes accountability is long overdue.

“He should come forward and take accountability for his actions,” Smith said. “If you’re going to act tough, be tough. Take accountability for the actions.”

Smith said she has stayed in touch with detectives, who she said have shared details about the investigation that have not been made public.

“There’s more to the case than people see on the surface level,” she said.

Still, with months passing and no arrest, Smith said it was important to bring more public attention to the case through social media.

“If it’s been five months and he’s now had five months to run, he’s had five months to hide,” she said. “The more people that see his face and know Savana’s story, the more they’re likely to come forward whenever they see Alexander.”

Smith also said the family has faced another challenge in the aftermath of Savana’s death, threats.

She said she has received messages from someone she believes is connected to Rivera-Russo.

“They’re saying that if I don’t stop my little game, that I’m going to end up like my sister,” Smith said.

She said her younger brother has also received threats.

“This is going so much deeper than it should be,” Smith said. “People that are responsible for the crime just need to come forward and do their time.”

At the crash site on University Boulevard South, a sign now stands reading “Drive Safe” in memory of Savana.

When Smith returned to the scene, she said she struggled to imagine what her sister experienced in her final moments.

“The speed limit is 40 miles per hour,” Smith said. “I was going 50 and thought I was flying. I can’t imagine seeing somebody in my rearview mirror coming over 100 miles per hour.”

“What was she thinking in that moment?” Smith said. “She had to have seen him coming.”

Now, Savana’s family said they are taking things day by day, while hoping someone comes forward with information that finally leads to an arrest.

“We all miss her,” Smith said. “I just want justice for Savana.”

Anyone with information on Rivera-Russo’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.