Vigil held to honor Metro East mother killed in hit-and-run

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – The search continues for the driver who hit and killed a Metro East mother of three as she tried to cross the street Wednesday night.

Family and friends gathered Friday evening for a vigil at Bria Nursing Home, where the late 45-year-old Latasha Johnson worked.

Johnson was struck near 38 ^th Street and St. Clair Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood after leaving a local bar and grill with her sister. One family member said she had hugged her sister right before the tragedy.

The 45-year-old is being remembered as a kind and loving person, mother, and dedicated healthcare worker who would go above and beyond for anyone in need.

“She cared for anybody—happy all the time and always a good vibe. Nothing bad you could ever say about her…very family oriented,” X’Lexus Johnson, Latasha’s cousin, said.

The vehicle involved in the incident was found abandoned miles away, but the suspect remains at large. Johnson’s family wants the person responsible to be held accountable.

“You did not have the audacity to stop the car and turn yourself in. You ran, you kept going. Not only did you hit her, you drug her with the car. He did not have a care in the world. she would never do that to know one,” X’Lexus said. “I couldn’t live with something like that on my conscious my whole life…and the bad part is, everyone know who you are, so you might as well turn yourself in.”

Anyone with information about the deadly hit-and-run is encouraged to contact police.

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