Woman struck and killed by hit-and-run driver near South LA
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle at South Broadway and 88th Street on Christmas Eve in the Broadway-Manchester area, near South Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department said. The incident is being considered a hit-and-run.
The woman was identified as Trina Newman-Townsend, 62, of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
According to Officer Matthew Cruz, it happened around 3:27 p.m. Saturday. Newman-Townsend was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Newman-Townsend was walking back to her parked vehicle when a blue mid-size sedan traveling northbound on South Broadway struck her and fled northbound on South Broadway, failing to stop or render aid.
Friends and family said Trina Newman-Townsend was a community activist and always willing to lend a helping hand.
"It's just a somber day to mourn my sister on Christmas," Dwayne Newman, the victim's brother.
Newman-Townsend had 10 foster children, her brother added. She was with three of them when she was struck, on the way to donate food to a homeless shelter.
"They don't understand the loss yet because they are so young," Newman added.
There is no description of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD at 213-833-3746, 877-527-3247 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.