PILSEN — Police are in search of the motive force of an SUV concerned within the Pilsen hit-and-run that killed a 22-year-old lady and critically injured her fiancé.
At 11:19 p.m. July 19, the motive force of a four-door, dark-colored Dodge Journey hit Marcela Herrera and her fiancé, 21-year-old Mauricio Leyva, as they crossed an intersection within the 2000 block of South Ashland Avenue, police mentioned.
The driving force sped off, police beforehand mentioned. The automotive, which was touring northbound, has a damaged proper headlight and will have injury to the entrance proper bumper and entrance proper quarter panel, police mentioned.
Herrera and Leyva have been taken to Stroger Hospital, the place Herrera was pronounced lifeless and Leyva was handled in essential situation, police mentioned. Leyva is recovering from his accidents, although he made it to Herrera’s funeral final week, household and mates mentioned.
The couple have been strolling to satisfy mates for drinks when the motive force hit them, police and Herrera’s family members beforehand mentioned. Herrera had labored on the Tacos Y Tamales avenue competition in Pilsen that day.
Herrera, who lived in Brighton Park and Gage Park, and Leyva have been set to wed Aug. 21, mentioned Naomi Herrera, one in every of Marcela Herrera’s 5 siblings.
Because the accident, neighbors and family members have been calling for justice for Leyva and Herrera, a beloved South Facet neighborhood organizer who gave again to youth and social justice causes.
Family members and neighbors canvassed the positioning close to the accident website Saturday and Sunday to encourage neighbors to ship ideas and any info that might assist discover the motive force, in accordance with a social media put up. Cook dinner County Crime Stoppers can also be providing a $1,000 money reward for info that results in an arrest within the case.
As of Monday, on-line fundraisers created in reminiscence of Herrera and to assist Leyva’s restoration have amassed over $33,000 and $5,000 in donations, respectively.
Anybody with info on the hit-and-run is inspired to achieve out to the police division by way of textual content message to 738477 or on-line. Suggestions could be shared anonymously.
Take heed to the Block Membership Chicago podcast:
