A grandmother has been killed in a Christmas Eve hit and run while delivering gifts to a community centre, police say. Trina Newman-Townsend, 62, had just helped four of her children into a stationary car and was preparing to enter herself when she was hit by another travelling at high speed in south Los Angeles, according to LAPD.
Ms Newman-Townsend, a pastor and much-loved activist in her community, died at the scene.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of anger as police hunt for the driver.
Police say the foster mother of 10 was struck while getting into her car at the intersection of 88th Street and South Broadway at around 3.25pm.
Ms Newman-Townsend, who married husband Curtis last year, had been dropping gifts off at a toy giveaway when she was hit.
A friend, Kenneth B. Pitchford, described Ms Newman-Townsend as “god’s angel”.
He told Fox 11: “She was a minister, she was a mother, she was a wife, she was a community activist. She was everything to this community right here.”
Her daughter, America Nicasio, also spoke of her tireless campaigning within the community of Broadway-Manchester, telling KTLA: “She helped everybody, she gave back to the community in every way she could.
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One message, written on the pavement, says: “We love you Auntie Trina.”
Husband Curtis, who was among loved-ones at the memorial, told NBC Los Angeles: “She died doing what she loved to do.
“She was giving out Christmas boxes, hams.”
Anyone with information about who the driver may be is asked to call LAPD’s 24/7 tipline at 877-527-3247 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
