Family Devastated After Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Father

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — A corner covered in flowers and candles is where 51-year-old Mariano Sanchez took his last breath, killed by a hit-and-run driver, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies said.

About 9 p.m. Sunday, Sanchez crossed busy a Newhall road to buy a few things at the Chevron food mart, across from the Polynesian mobile home park where he lived, deputies said.

Shortly after, his lifeless body was found lying in the street by a neighbor. The driver who struck him was long gone.

"I would say turn yourself in. This is just really cold-hearted," his daughter Nataly, in tears, said.

His family says Mariano was a loving father and grandfather who played guitar and was a friend to all.

A community garage sale to raise money for the family will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday on Crossglade Avenue in Canyon Country. And a fundraising barbecue in Newhall will be from noon-5 p.m. Sunday at Newhall Park, 24923 Newhall Ave.

Police are looking for a light-colored SUV with heavy front-end damage.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist with funeral expenses. To donate, click here.

Please call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (661) 255-1121, Ext. 5112 if you wish to submit a tip. You may also do so anonymously through www.LACrimestoppers.org or by calling 1-800-222-8477.