Authorities turn to public for help to identify suspect in fatal Lancaster hit-and-run

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are asking for the public's help to identify a hit-and-run suspect responsible for killing a pedestrian in Lancaster earlier this month.

The victim, 22-year-old Rodney Tyrone Richard, was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk when he was struck by a white pickup truck at approximately 2 a.m. on Aug. 4, according to investigators.

"I couldn't even go see my son's body because it was so horrific," Richard's mother, Michelle Burton, said. "I'm praying to God to have an open casket. I don't know what mortuary can do."

Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives from the Lancaster station describe the suspect vehicle as a full-size white truck, late model Chevrolet or GMC. Video from several different security cameras at the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard and Elm Avenue show the suspect vehicle.

Authorities said the vehicle was driving faster than the 15 mph speed limit, and the driver stopped when the victim was struck before fleeing the scene toward Sierra Highway.

Richard would have turned 23 years old on Tuesday, and his family had planned a big celebration.

"He was my everything - everything. There's nothing about him I can't say I didn't like. I just loved everything about him," Burton said.

Richard was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Detective Ryan Bodily at (661) 940-3811. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.