Family Of Woman Killed In NoHo Hit-And-Run Speaks Out
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — The family of a 61-year-old woman killed in a North Hollywood hit-and-run spoke out Sunday about their pain.
And they made a plea for the driver to give him or herself up.
Pat Rotisky, cousin to the victim -- namely Karen McCauley -- says McCauley was hit by two cars.
Rotisky told CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Joy Benedict the call about her cousin was heartbreaking. "She was kind of street wise in that sense. She had no fear."
McCauley was out late at night, and pushing a shopping cart. She was recycling. To make ends meet, says her cousin.
The deceased recently became a widow but Rotisky says that wasn't her cousin's only challenge. McCauley was almost completely deaf after contracting rheumatic fever as a child.
Says Rotisky, "She learned to be strong and stand up for herself and because of her hearing loss, she refused to give into that."
And that is one reason this death is devastating -- and frustrating -- this family so much. A woman they said had so much strength and intestinal fortitude was killed by a coward who didn't stop. The second driver stopped and called police.
Rotisky and her family are taking some small comfort in knowing McCauley was a devout Christian. "We believe in a sovereign God and he has not lost contril. As much as she loved him, he loved her and he has called her home."
Rotisky's faith is getting her through, as well. And it's helping her find compassion for the driver who did not stop. "I will pray for that person...that their heart will be so convicted by what they've done that they will come forward."
