Vigil Monday For Hallandale Girl Fatally Injured In Hit & Run
HALLANDALE BEACH (CBSMiami) -- A mother's plea for justice, amid prayers, candles, and community outcry at Foster Park Monday night. Dozens had gathered near the playground at a growing road side memorial for 12-year old Shania Jackson, who did not survive her injuries after being struck by a hit-and-run driver last Tuesday.
As classmates brought teddy bears and home-made banners to the memorial, Shania's mother, struggled the fight back tears.
"I'm very blessed that everyone could come out and for the love that everyone has shown me, even strangers, all for my daughter," said Fiona Clarke.
Hallandale Beach Police say Shania was struck as she crossed Foster Avenue in front of the Park last Tuesday. Investigators later found a red rental car involved in the incident abandoned a few blocks away.
"They told me they found the car," said Shania's mother, "but the person of interest connected to the car has not yet been found." "The person who committed this crime took my daughter's life. Have a heart! She was only 12 years old," said Clarke.
People who live and work in the area says Foster Avenue is the scene of frequent speeding as many drivers use it as a cut-through to reach Pembroke Road. Business owners Sheila Wein says drivers come "flying down here like they're on I-95."
"I've been watching this for a year," Wein told CBS4's Brian Andrews. "I always said something like this was going to happen." Wein is now petitioning the city to install speed bumps in front of the park and will ask Broward County to install a lighted cross walk.
Police are still appealing for information in the hit and run case, which has now become a homicide investigation.
"If you have a heart, please turn yourself in," said Shania's mother.
" If you're scared to call the police, call the anonymous number," said Fiona Clarke.
Tips can be phoned in to Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954 493 8477.
