PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A mother and her 3-year-old boy are recovering after a hit-and-run Sunday night in North Philadelphia left them in "serious condition with serious injuries," according to police.
Police said Rebecca Malave, 37, and her son, Armani, were struck around 8 p.m. along West Luzerne Street between Rising Sun Avenue and American Street, right by their home.
"They just left them there for dead, like roadkill," said Lorraine Graulau, Malave's older sister and aunt to Armani.
Graulau had to hold back tears as she spoke with KYW Newsradio. She said her family needs answers.
"It's a baby and a mother literally fighting for her life," she added.
"This kid is fighting for his life all by himself, without a mother right now. It's just a whole sad situation and we just want it resolved. We just want to get through it and know what happened, and why."
Philadelphia Police Capt. Mark Overwise said in a Tuesday news conference they did not have many answers at that point.
There's no surveillance video, as this happened in a remote area, and no car parts were recovered.
Police found one of Malave's shoes a short distance away. They believe she left her house between 7:30 and 8 p.m. that night to meet a friend.
"I say it all the time: If you hit somebody with your vehicle, you did not necessarily commit a crime," said Overwise, "but once you make that decision to leave, you decided to commit a crime."
Related
Police are asking whoever was behind the wheel to come forward. Graulau wants the same thing.
"Just come clean and clear your conscience because it has to be bothering you," she said.
Graulau would also like a man on a motorcycle, whom she said took Armani to the hospital after the incident, to reveal himself.
"Because he saved a baby's life and he needs to know that," she explained. "And we want to thank him for that."
Overwise said police are trying to track down people who called 911 on the night of the incident, but they still need more information.
He added the victims "can use some prayers."
Graulau described Armani as an "awesome little kid" and her sister as "a loving person" who is dedicated to her children.
Malave has a 1-year-old daughter as well, according to her sister.
If you have information, police ask you call 215-685-3180. They say any small amount of information helps.
Related
