Mom killed in hit-and-run on Christmas Eve while handing out gifts, California cops say

A mother who was a minister and active member of her community was killed in a hit-and-run crash while handing out presents in California, police told local news outlets.

On Dec. 24, the Los Angeles Police Department got reports of a crash near Broadway and 88th Street, according to a news release by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The woman, identified by local news outlets as Trina Newman, had been dropping off presents at a local community center with her kids when a blue sedan struck her as she walked back to her car, officials said.

Multiple news outlets said Newman was 61 years old and one outlet said she was 62. Police did not immediately respond to McClatchy News for clarification.

The driver went through a red light, hit Newman at a speed of about 40 miles per hour and fled the scene, according to NBC Los Angeles.

“She was a minister,” said Kenneth B. Pitchford, Newman’s friend, according to FOX 11. “She was a wife. She was a community activist. She was everything to this community.”

Newman was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said..

“She’s going to be deeply missed. Infinity times infinity,” Newman’s brother told NBC Los Angeles.

A reward of up to $50,000 is available for anyone with information leading to the identification of a suspect, officials said.

Anyone with information about the driver is urged to call 877-527-3247, according to the news release.

This story was originally published December 27, 2022 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Mom killed in hit-and-run on Christmas Eve while handing out gifts, California cops say."