Authorities Thursday named a suspect being sought in the hit-and-run death of a 76-year-old woman in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Ronald Waldamar Jo-Jlux, 26, also known as Ronald Lux, is believed to have been the driver responsible for fatally injuring Jeun Chu Ham, who was hit by a car while crossing Miramar Street at Union Avenue shortly before 6 a.m. on Nov. 23, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.
The woman was hit by a tan Toyota Corolla that was turning left onto Miramar Street, dragging her about 15 feet, the LAPD said. The driver fled the scene without rendering aid, according to police, who said Ham died of her injuries in a hospital intensive care unit at about 8 p.m. that day.
“Detectives believe Ronald is currently driving the vehicle involved in the hit and run, a 4-door tan or a gold 2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla, with its driver side wheels missing its hub caps or is equipped with aftermarket black rims,” an LAPD statement said. “It is believed Ronald is living out of the vehicle and his whereabouts are unknown.”
Police released a photo of the suspect, who was described as Hispanic, 5-feet-1 inch tall and 120 pounds.
At a news conference shortly after the death, the victim’s daughter, Susan Ham, pleaded for public help in solving the case.
“I’m calling on the community to be my surveillance camera to help me with this,” she said. “Time is of the essence. It’s just really unfortunate that we still have people here that are too afraid to stop.”
A reward of up to $50,000 is available, through the city of Los Angeles, for anyone who provides information leading to the identification and conviction of a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run.
Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to call Detective Juan Campos at 213-833-3713 or the Central Traffic Division watch commander at 213-833-3746. Those wishing to report anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.