Tomorrow morning, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the families of two hit-and-run victims will publicly ask for help in solving two separate crashes from last January.  During the news conference, Rosendahl and the investigating detectives will announce a $50,000 reward in each case for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

On Thursday, December 2, 2010, at about 9:17 p.m., 60-year-old, Razia Shariff, was getting out of her car when she was struck and killed on Centinela Avenue north of Nebraska Avenue. Investigators say the suspect vehicle is possibly a 1992-1997 Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Corolla left the scene without stopping to help the victim, or identifying himself/herself as required by law.

If you’re wondering why it took so long to offer an award, the LAPD and Rosendahl’s office previously announced the award in mid-December but is hoping the press event will draw attention to the crash again in the new year.

The second crash happened right after Christmas and involved a famous video game programmer best known for her casting and voice work on World of Warcraft.  On Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at about 1:45 a.m., 48-year-old Brigette Burdine was walking on Culver Boulevard and Pershing Drive when possibly a dark-colored sedan traveling in an easterly direction collided with the victim.  While the driver fled the scene, Burdine was left dieing in the street.

Anyone with information about either of these cases is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).