The mother of a 35-year-old man who was killed by a hit-and-run driver pleaded with the public Wednesday to find the person who left her son to die in a Studio City street, as city officials announced a $50,000 reward in the case.
In her call for help, Michael Bonanomi’s mother shared the story of when her son spent weeks with a dying veteran who had no loved ones to stay by his side in his final days.
“We’re asking for your help in finding the person who left our son to die alone,” Eve Bonanomi said at a news conference Wednesday. She was flanked by her husband, a dozen loved ones, law enforcement and city officials.
The Los Angeles City Council approved Wednesday a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who sped away after colliding with Bonanomi on Aug. 17.
He was walking north across Ventura Boulevard, just east of Fairway Avenue, when he was struck.
Investigators are looking for the driver of a white Mercedes-Benz CL-Class with dark rims, tinted windows and black paper plates with yellow writing. The car’s model year is between 2008 and 2010.
It sustained major front-end damage in the crash. An official said the car's driver-side head lamp was torn out, its hood was dented and its windshield was smashed.
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“We had wonderful witnesses that stayed a long time to give us their statements. We’ve had the public calling with possible leads, but we have to call upon you again,” said Officer Holly Fredo, with the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division.
“Do the right thing,” she added.
The weekend Bonanomi was killed, two other pedestrians died in separate hit-and-run crashes in LA.
A memorial for Bonanomi -- an advertising professional and accomplished musician -- drew more than 300 friends and family members last weekend, his mother said.
“It was such a testament to him as human being,” Eve Bonanomi said.
Anyone with information in the case is urged to call LAPD Traffic Division at 818-644-8021, or Officer Holly Fredo at 818-644-8037.
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