A $1,000 cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of the driver who struck and killed a 22-year-old woman and seriously injured her fiancé in a hit-and-run crash last weekend in Pilsen.
The crash happened around 11:18 p.m. on July 19 in the 2000 block of South Ashland Avenue. Chicago police said a dark-colored Dodge Journey was heading north when it struck the couple as they crossed Ashland in the north crosswalk at Cullerton Street. The driver did not stop.
According to CPD’s crash report, the victims were found lying on the Ashland Avenue median. A driver told police she saw the SUV speed past other vehicles before striking the couple in the crosswalk. Another pedestrian said she was almost hit by the same vehicle as it sped through the intersection.
The victims were identified in a GoFundMe campaign as Marcella Herrera, 22, and her fiancé, Mauricio Leyva, 21. Herrera suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead. Leyva sustained facial injuries, including a broken nose, and may have suffered a back injury, the CPD report said. He was last reported in fair condition.
The vehicle has a broken right headlight and possible damage to the front right bumper and quarter panel, according to the police. It was last seen turning west onto 19th Street from Ashland.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the CPD Major Accidents Unit at 312-745-4521 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing case number JJ340954.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 800-535-STOP or emailing [email protected].
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