Police find new leads in deadly hit and run - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Investigators are honing in on the suspect in a deadly south Richmond hit and run.

Shawn Smith, 33, was killed Tuesday night on Walmsley Boulevard. Investigators are now looking for a dark blue Mercedes E-320, made between 1996 and 2002. Investigators say it's likely damaged on the windshield and passenger side. The car may have factory-installed Bosch fog lights, with one possibly missing from the passenger's side.

Smith was the tenth of 14 siblings, and the father of one two-year-old boy. Smith is the third son his mother, Theresa Thompson, will bury.

"It's hard to describe. I mean, it hurts really badly, and I wish that whoever did this would come forward so we could get some closure," said Thompson with tears in her eyes.

The more detailed description of the suspect's vehicle gives Shawn's sister, Kimberly Darden, hope that the driver will be found.    

"As long as everybody is…looking around to see if they've seen this car, seen anybody going to a junk yard or an auto parts store to get parts, (people should please) call in," said Darden.

Smith's family says they're praying for a break in the case so they can be assured their loved-one's killer is off the road.

"We went around to the other side of the crime scene, and they had the light on him and we pretty much saw," said Darden. She and her family had waited through most of the night for police to confirm that it was Smith who had been hit.

His family said he was always the funny one, making everyone laugh. They say he's an important link in their close circle is now lost forever.

Smith's death is the fourth deadly hit and run in Richmond this year.

Police ask that anyone with information about the suspect vehicle to call the Richmond Police Crash Team investigators at 646-1343 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. You can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word "ITip" followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

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