Family of Hit-And-Run Victim In Sherman Oaks Mourns Their Loss, Police Need Help Finding Driver
SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — The family of a young woman killed by a hit-and-run driver in Sherman Oaks Sunday is asking for the public's help in tracking down the driver.
Runyia Chehata shared a mobile phone video of her daughter singing. She kissed the phone and treasured the footage knowing that it is one of the last reminders she has of her daughter voice.
"She was my best friend, my daughter, my angel. She always had a big heart," Chehata said.
A hit-and-run driver killed Nysmuh Taylor of Sylmar at about 2:15 a.m. Oct. 4 as she crossed Moorpark Street near Matilija Avenue in Sherman Oaks.
"He took away the most precious thing in my life," said Chehata.
The 18-year-old victim's boyfriend told police he was with her at the time. The couple had been dropped off at the location moments before she was killed. Taylor was steps behind her boyfriend as they crossed the street, said Sgt. David Delgado of the Los Angeles Police Department.
After the impact, the driver returned to the scene, rolled down the window, looked at Taylor on the ground and drove off again, police said.
Police have a vague description of the driver. They believe his car is a red or maroon sedan with front-end damage.
"You just don't hit someone and run away and not take responsibility for your actions," said George Chehata, the victim's brother.
Taylor's family said she and her boyfriend had made their relationship official the night she was killed, and she recently moved out on her own.
"She was supposed to start her new job today (Monday). She was so excited about it," said the victim's mother.
Anyone with information on the case can call LAPD's Valley Traffic Division detectives at (818) 644-8028 or (818) 644-8021. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the LAPD's 24-hour tipline at (877) LAPD-24-7.