Family Urges Suspect To Come Forward After Deadly Hit And Run
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Drexel University graduate, an engineer, and a lover of Philadelphia, is how the family of a slain bicyclist is describing him.
27-year-old Jamal Morris was riding his bike when he became the victim of a hit and run crash early Saturday morning. The incident took place on 45th and Market streets in West Philadelphia, and the driver is still unknown.
After several days of searching for a suspect, the Morris' family decided to take another approach.
In a press conference held outside of Penn Presbyterian, Jamal's mother Channabel Latham-Morris, gave a heart wrenching plea in hopes the suspect would come forward.
"As a mom, I am pleading for the person who hit my son. I forgive you, so you need to know that I forgive you. Please come forward and let the world know, let the people know, let the police know," she said.
Authorities say Jamal's bike had damage consistent with being struck by a vehicle, but that no physical evidence of the car was left behind.
According to officials, when they received the call a little before 4 a.m., they rushed to the scene where Jamal was found critically injured on the side of the road. Several hours later, around 10 in the morning officials confirmed that Jamal had succumbed to his injuries.
Police say they have few leads in the investigation, and anyone with information is asked to come forward to police.
