Mother of 2 killed in hit-and-run, fiancé asking driver to turn themselves in

Update (Sept. 24)

Officials with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided an update surrounding a fatal hit and run that occurred on the west side of Indianapolis earlier this month.

IMPD officials confirmed that the striking vehicle in the crash was a 2002-2006 silver Toyota Camry which was traveling northbound on South Lynhurst Drive. After the hit, the vehicle reportedly fled the scene and continued to travel northbound.

Police said that the vehicle will “most likely have front-end damage.” Any more information on this incident can be submitted to the department’s traffic unit or by calling Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-8477.

Original Story

INDIANAPOLIS — The family of an Indianapolis woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash is calling on the person who hit her to turn themselves in to the police.

Alexandra Leal, 30, was killed on Sept. 18 near the intersection of Lynhurst Drive and Kelly Street when a vehicle slammed into her. She and her fiancé, Shane Bernard, were driving along Lynhurst when something fell off their truck.

Bernard said they pulled off the road and walked back to pick it up. That’s when the driver slammed into her and threw her several feet.

“I just grabbed her and held her and I’m screaming as loud as I can ‘911,’” Bernard said. “I just held her and told her ‘Just stay strong. Fight. Things will be all right’ and I’m screaming man at the Lord, save her. Don’t take her, you know.”

The mother of two was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.

Surveillance video from a nearby home shows the driver speeding away from the scene.

“He didn’t hesitate. He wasn’t trying to stop,” Bernard recounted. “As soon as he hit her, he was full pedal on the gas.”

Bernard said he and Alexandra had been together for the past seven years. He described her as a devoted mother and a woman who was full of life.

“She was just so happy, you know? She was so happy. Just loved being involved with family. Going to functions,” Bernard said. “She loved to dance, smile.”

Neighbors said the stretch of Lynhurst where Alexandra was killed is a dangerous one where they often spot reckless driving.

There is a nearby memorial set up in almost the exact spot where she was killed to honor William Ayala who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Sept. 2, 2023, while riding his motorcycle.

Christina Day, 39, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with four years suspended to probation in April 2024.

Bernard is hoping he and his family will see justice for Alexandra as well.

License plate reading cameras are set up along Lynhurst but IMPD has not said if they captured the suspect vehicle.

“I just hope that somebody can identify that car,” Bernard said. “Turn yourself in man, do what’s right, you know. We need justice.”

Anyone who has any information on this case is asked to call IMPD at 317-327-3475 or you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

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