Miami police intensifying search for driver in deadly hit and run
MIAMI - A family from France is in Miami, begging for justice for their daughter.
The young woman was killed in a hit and run on Biscayne Blvd. early Sunday morning, and police say they've been tracking the vehicle responsible.
"She came here to work from France. She was a lively lovely little girl who was always ready to experience anything," said Corinne Avenet of her daughter, Justine. "She loved her life here."
But Justine Avenet's life was cut short at just 24 years old while riding a rented bicycle on Biscayne Blvd. near Northeast 22nd Street Sunday morning.
"We are devastated," her mother said. "Crushed by what's happened. She loved this community. She loved being here."
Justine's heartbroken parents, along with their lawyer, are pleading for answers.
"We are begging you, begging you to come forward with whoever might have seen something," Corinne Avenet said.
"Hit and run is a heartless and cowardly act. When there's a death, the pain runs very deep and it is forever," said attorney Paul McKenna.
Miami Police Traffic Homicide investigators say they're looking for a 2018 to 2021 dark-colored Nissan Pathfinder missing a front bumper and with windshield and headlight damage.
Detectives say businesses near the crash scene have handed over surveillance video to help crack this case.
"They've helped us track the vehicle every single minute," Det. Marvin Lopez said.
Police say Justine was doing everything right by following the rules of the road when the SUV slammed into her from behind.
"She shouldn't have died that way," her mother said. "So please help us."
Even though they have surveillance video, police are not releasing it at this time.
Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 305-471-TIPS.