Philadelphia police are searching for the driver of a sports car who allegedly struck and killed a 29-year-old woman early Monday morning before fleeing the scene, authorities said.
Background
The Philadelphia Police Department identified the victim as Talyia Bernice Nesmith. According to investigators, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Nesmith had just exited a Lyft vehicle near the 7200 block of Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia and was attempting to cross the roadway from the south side to the north side when she was struck.
The impact hurled Nesmith into the rear of a legally parked and unoccupied vehicle, police said. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and transported her to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4:05 a.m.
The Investigation
Authorities believe the suspect was driving a black 2020 to 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat or Scat Pack Wide Body. According to police, after striking Nesmith, the driver did not stop. The vehicle allegedly continued speeding eastbound on Elmwood Avenue and struck another car before fleeing the scene again.
Officers are asking the public for help locating the vehicle, which may have damage to the passenger side and possible windshield damage. It was last seen traveling eastbound on Elmwood Avenue.
"I just don't understand how someone felt like it was okay to hit my child and keep going," Nesmith's mother, Lakisha Smith, told WPVI. "I just want the person that did this to please turn themselves in … they took the life of a 29-year-old that had so much ahead of her."
A witness whose surveillance footage has been part of the investigation provided details about the collision.
"It's difficult to watch," said Michael Williams, who shared video from his security camera. "Out of nowhere this car just came blazing down the street and she didn't even have time to react to it."
Key Takeaways
- Victim Talyia Bernice Nesmith, 29, was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 a.m. Monday after being struck on Elmwood Avenue in Philadelphia.
- Police are searching for a black 2020-2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat or Scat Pack Wide Body; the vehicle allegedly continued striking another car before fleeing.
- The suspect has not been identified or charged. No arrests have been made.
- Investigators believe the vehicle may have passenger-side damage and possible windshield damage.
What's Next
The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the fatal hit-and-run. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident, the suspect, or the location of the described vehicle to contact the department's Major Crimes Unit. No court dates have been set as no suspect has been charged in connection with Nesmith's death.
A person who investigators identify as responsible for this crash would face charges pending review by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.