A Massachusetts woman was killed in a hit-and-run while leaving a church gathering just after midnight on New Year's Day. It happened Thursday on Acushnet Ave. in New Bedford just after New Year's Eve became New Year's Day. 

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said that 33-year-old Nicolassa Ventura Colaj was leaving the church with her family. Quinn said Colaj was crossing the road when she was hit by an SUV and thrown an unknown distance. The driver of the SUV did not stop after the crash, but police said they have located the vehicle. 

"She had a laceration to the head with blood, but you really couldn't tell exactly what it was," said a woman who did not want to be identified. 

The woman told WBZ-TV she heard screams from her home early Thursday morning and rushed to the scene to see if she could help. "While they were working on her, I went over with the group of family, and their community," the woman said. "And we just prayed."

Colaj was rushed to an area hospital by ambulance but pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators announced on Friday that they have "identified, located, and seized the vehicle involved in this incident." New Bedford police said a critical breakthrough in the investigation was made on Thursday afternoon. 

"We are continuing to piece together the events that took place during this terrible tragedy and anticipate that justice will be served swiftly," New Bedford police said.  

Family wants justice

"This is very, very bad," said Adrian Ventura, executive director of Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, an organization supporting immigrant workers. 

"Good woman, good family," Ventura said. "She's working hard you know, to put your food on the table for everyone." 

Ventura knew Colaj and says her family and husband are beyond distraught. "They want justice for her," Ventura said.  

Located in Bristol County, New Bedford has a population of about 100,000 people. New Bedford is located about 60 miles south of Boston, not far from the Rhode Island border.