The family of an 83-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run collision in South Los Angeles is calling for the driver to come forward, as investigators continue to search for those responsible.
Akil Batani-Khalfani was struck on the evening of September 30 near Central Avenue and 69th Street. His family said the collision happened at about 8.30pm, close to a post office car park.
Police said Mr Batani-Khalfani was walking west along Central Avenue, outside a marked crossing, when he was hit by a southbound vehicle. The driver did not stop, identify themselves or provide assistance, according to investigators.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel attended the scene and pronounced him dead. His death was later confirmed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.
His daughter, D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani, said the family had struggled to obtain information about the investigation after the case was reassigned to another division.
“My father’s name is Akil Batani-Khalfani … my father deserved better,” she said, urging the driver to consider how they would feel if a member of their own family had been killed.
Known to loved ones as “Bird”, Mr Batani-Khalfani was remembered at a vigil held at the crash site. He was a former youth correctional counsellor with the California Youth Authority and had also worked as a youth gang counsellor in Los Angeles. He is survived by 15 children and 43 grandchildren. ([nbclosangeles.com](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/south-la-hit-and-run-akil-batani-khalfani/3952404/?utm_source=openai))
“My father has impacted so many lives across generations, races,” his daughter said. “He was my best friend.”
The family is asking the city to offer a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the driver. Ms Batani-Khalfani said she would continue pressing for what she described as “speedy justice”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Los Angeles Crime Stoppers on 1-800-222-8477 or email Detective Ramirez at 39299@lapd.online. Police have also urged witnesses to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Bureau.
