Boy, 16, Fatally Struck In Hit-And-Run While Leaving Youth Group In South Los Angeles

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 16-year-old boy was killed Friday evening in a hit-and-run crash in South Los Angeles.

The crash happened about 8:30 p.m. at 43rd Street and Normandie Avenue.

The victim, identified by family members as Nathan Mota, was struck while in a crosswalk after attending a youth group meeting at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church. The victim was described by relatives as an honor student.

The suspect fled the scene in a white Nissan, authorities said.

"What a coward. What a coward, to leave a family devastated — who does that?" the victim's cousin Delmi Massella said. "Just come out and say, 'Look, I'm sorry.' I'm sure it wasn't something you meant to do."

Family members of the victim told CBS2's Serene Branson that they have been lobbying for a stop light at the intersection for years.

Normandie was shut down between 42nd and 43rd streets while Los Angeles police officers investigated.