$25,000 reward offered in hit-and-run that killed girl, 8, in Overbrook

OVERBROOK (WPVI) -- The reward now stands at $25,000 in connection with a hit-and-run in Overbrook that claimed the life of a young girl.

8-year-old Jayanna Powell was struck and killed on November 18th.

Police say the child was crossing the street with her two siblings when she was struck by a male driver headed southbound on 63rd Street at Lansdowne Avenue.

The driver did not stop. Police believe he was driving a gray or silver Nissan Altima or Maxima.

Ayesha Poole, Powell's mother, stood with police during a news conference on Tuesday and pleaded for the driver who hit and killed her daughter to come forward.

"I had to lay my baby to rest yesterday. The hardest thing in my life. No marriage. No grandkids. No nothing. Just turn yourself in. Make it better for everybody please," she said.

The mayor's office is pledging $10,000 for an arrest and conviction. The FOP is offering an immediate $15,000 just for an arrest.

"It's not for the conviction. You don't have to wait for long detailed process. You bring them in today. You're paid today. Let's give this family of little Jayanna a little closure," said John McNesby of the FOP.

Police say they are running down leads, but they need the public's help.

"What I want to say is, to the driver: Your chance is now to come forward. We promise you a fair investigation of this crash, but you have to come forward," said Capt. Patrick Kelly.

Anyone with information about the case is being asked to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS, or the Philadelphia FOP at 215-629-3626.