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‘That was my baby:’ Florida mom reacts after son killed in 94 mph hit-and-run

Nathaniel Soueidan, 23, struck while riding scooter in Palm Bay

PALM BAY, Fla. – A woman told News 6 that her son was making deliveries for Uber Eats the night police said a 17-year-old going 94 mph killed a man and didn’t stop.

Melonie Gaines said Nathanial Soueidan, 23, didn’t have a car to deliver food on Aug. 9, so he was riding a scooter near the intersection of Capeador Street and Nadell Avenue.

”That’s terrible for someone to speed that much and just take somebody else’s life, but the fact that they just hit my son and left the scene,” Gaines said.

Palm Bay police also arrested the 17-year-old’s father, Narian Sabdull.

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Police said he was the one who actually drove the car involved back to the scene and tried to make police believe that he was the driver.

Sabdull was home Friday while out on bond, but he did not wish to talk to News 6 reporter James Sparvero. Sabdull’s son, Tyler, is still in custody.

Gaines, while heartbroken, spoke about them with empathy.

”This is really sad because this is another child. He’s 17 years old,” she said. “I just know that it’s gonna hurt for as long as I live.”

Gaines is taking donations now to help pay for her son’s funeral. To donate, click here.


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About the Author

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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