Crime Fighters: Woman seeks answers in son's hit-and-run death

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The mother of a Philadelphia man killed in a hit-and-run is hoping you can help find her son's killer.

"Jamal loved people. He was a people person," said Channabel Latham-Morris, mother.

Born 6 weeks premature, Jamal Morris may have started life with a disadvantage, but that's not how his mother said he lived it.

"Jamal grew up knowing and believing, from listening to his parents, that he has to be more than average. He has to do things. He has to be somebody," said Latham-Morris.

His mother said it was normal for the 27-year-old engineer and Sunday school teacher to ride his bike around the city, no matter what time of the day.

"He probably went out to get something to eat and go back home. I don't know. I'm trying to find out what happened," said Latham-Morris.

At 3:45 a.m. on April 16, police found Morris bleeding next to his bike in the roadway at 45th and Market streets in West Philadelphia.

Police say Morris was hit by an oncoming car.

He died at the hospital.

"I said God thank you for giving me 27 years to raise a phenomenal child, and if it's your will to take him, you took him," said Latham-Morris.

The Citizens Crime Commission is administering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 215-546-TIPS.

To the driver who hit her son, Morris has this message for them.

"God is going to deal with him. For me, I forgive him," said Latham-Morris.

And when she's in her darkest moments, she says she remembers how her son would always end their conversations.

"He said that all the time, 'Mom it's only getting better,' " said Latham-Morris.