Striking vehicle recovered after woman killed in Eastwick hit-and-run, Philadelphia police say
29-year-old Talyia Bernice Nesmith had just exited an Uber when she was struck by a black car traveling at a high rate of speed.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police say they have found the vehicle that is believed to have struck and killed a woman in Philadelphia's Eastwick neighborhood.
The hit-and-run crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Monday on the 7200 block of Elmwood Avenue.
Investigators said 29-year-old Talyia Bernice Nesmith had just exited an Uber and was crossing Elmwood Avenue when she was struck by a black car traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed.
Nesmith died from her injuries.
Police said the driver continued eastbound after the collision, striking a parked Honda Accord before fleeing the scene.
On Tuesday evening, Action News was along Broadway Avenue in Upper Darby as police towed away a 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat.
Police said Wednesday they believe the Dodge is the striking vehicle and it is now being processed for evidence.
The vehicle had been reported stolen from Philadelphia's Olney section about an hour before the crash. Police say they have video and other evidence from the scene of the theft as well as from the area where the vehicle was found.
"It's a homicide, vehicular homicide. So we put a lot of effort into identifying and finding them," said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore during a news conference Wednesday.
So far, no one is in custody.
Authorities said they have obtained multiple surveillance videos related to the investigation but are continuing to seek additional footage that could help identify the driver.
Police are urging residents and businesses in the area to review any security camera recordings, including Ring camera footage.
"If anyone has seen something in their Ring camera, their home video systems, we're urging them to give us a call, let us know, and we'll be glad to come out and take a look at the vehicle," Vanore said.
Speaking with Action News on Monday, Nesmith's mother, Lakisha Smith, urged the driver to surrender.
"I just don't understand how someone felt like it was OK to hit my child and keep going," Smith said.
RELATED: Mother pleads for driver to surrender after fatal hit-and-run in Philadelphia's Eastwick section
Smith described her daughter as a compassionate caregiver who was devoted to helping others.
"She loved to take care of elderly people and kids that had disabilities. That was her passion," Smith said. "She was full of love, and if she loved you, she loved you with her whole heart."
Nesmith, a graduate of Upper Darby High School, lived in West Philadelphia with her family.
Investigators have not released any details on a possible suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Crash Investigation Division at 215-685-3180 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).
