Reward offered in fatal hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old woman in Pilsen

CHICAGO — Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run that killed a 24-year-old woman and seriously injured her fiancé earlier this month.

On Saturday, July 19, Marcella Herrera, 24, and her fiancé, 21-year-old Mauricio Leyva, were struck by an SUV in the 1900 block of South Ashland Avenue in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.

Police say the couple was crossing Ashland Avenue in a marked crosswalk when a dark-colored Dodge Journey hit them and fled west on 19th Street. High speed was a factor in the crash.

Herrera died from her injuries, and Leyva sustained facial fractures and is now recovering from surgery. 

“Marcella’s family deserves justice, and we need the community’s help to identify the person responsible for this senseless act,” said Paul Rutherford, Chairman of Cook County Crime Stoppers.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-535-7867 or online at CPDTIP.com.

Additionally, Herrera’s family have launched two GoFundMe’s: one in honor of Herrera and one to support Leyva’s recovery.