Crenshaw hit-run: Victim ID'd as LAPD officer's mother, $50K reward offered

HYDE PARK, SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A $50,000 reward is being offered for a hit-and-run suspect who killed the mother of an LAPD officer in South Los Angeles.

"This is my first time being on the other side of the fence, losing a family member to such a heinous crime," said Officer Dontae Phillips.

The 12-year LAPD veteran lost his mother Oct. 10. Police say 57-year-old Diane Dupree was in the crosswalk at 63rd Street, crossing Crenshaw Boulevard when she was hit by a car around 9:40 p.m.

"A vehicle traveling northbound struck Mrs. Dupree, failed to stop and render aid and continued north on Crenshaw Boulevard," said LAPD Det. Ruben Mendoza.

"This incident has affected my family in so many different ways. She wasn't just a mom, she was a grandmother, she was an auntie, she was a sister, a wife and whoever did this to my mom is still living life, you know, just blending in with everyone else," said Phillips.

The Los Angeles City Council gave approval for a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Dupree's death.

Detectives say they are looking at surveillance video, but so far they say they don't have much of a description of the car they're looking for.

"This person has confided in someone. This person has spoken to a brother, a sister, a neighbor a best friend, a girlfriend, a boyfriend a husband or a wife and I believe that issuing this reward amount will prompt someone out there to step up and do the right thing. That way this person is brought to justice," said Phillips.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD at 1-(877)-LAPD-24-7.