Marcella Herrera Obituary, Death; – A cash reward of $1,000 is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest or indictment of the driver responsible for striking and killing a 22-year-old woman, as well as seriously injuring her fiancé, in a hit-and-run incident that occurred last weekend in Pilsen.
The incident took place at approximately 11:18 p.m. on July 19, in the 2000 block of South Ashland Avenue. According to the Chicago police, a dark-colored Dodge Journey was traveling north when it collided with the couple as they were crossing Ashland in the north crosswalk at Cullerton Street. The driver failed to stop.
According to the crash report from the CPD, the victims were discovered lying on the median of Ashland Avenue. One driver reported to the police that she observed the SUV speeding past other vehicles before hitting the couple in the crosswalk. Another pedestrian mentioned that she narrowly avoided being struck by the same vehicle as it rushed through the intersection.
The victims have been identified in a GoFundMe campaign as Marcella Herrera, aged 22, and her fiancé, Mauricio Leyva, aged 21. Herrera sustained multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Leyva suffered facial injuries, including a broken nose, and may have also incurred a back injury, as stated in the CPD report. He is currently reported to be in fair condition.
The vehicle in question has a broken right headlight and potential damage to the front right bumper and quarter panel, as per police reports. It was last observed turning west onto 19th Street from Ashland.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the CPD Major Accidents Unit at 312-745-4521 or to submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing case number JJ340954.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $1,000. Tipsters have the option to remain anonymous by calling 800-535.
