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Police Release Critical Clue In Deadly North Miami Beach Hit & Run

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Authorities released a critical clue in a deadly hit and run that happened over the weekend in North Miami Beach - hoping it will lead them to the person responsible.

Until Thursday, no one in the neighborhood knew that the person who was killed was 56-year old Lilia Mejia.

Officer said the car that hit Mejia at 2:15 a.m. on NE 19th Ave and 177th Street may have been a silver older model Toyota or Honda caught on camera shortly after the crash.

Authorities released a picture of the car they are looking for - asking for the public to take a look and see if they recognize the car.

"It's the only lead we have. We are looking to talk to the driver who was in the area after the hit and run," said police Major Richard Rand.

Police said Mejia was crossing NE 19th Avenue when the northbound car hit her and didn't stop.

Neighbor Pete Lapeikas said he'd often saw Mejia walking to catch a bus and couldn't believe she got hit.

"I don't believe it. I totally can't see it," said Pete Lapeikas.

He says speeding cars are constant on a certain stretch of NE 19th Avenue even though the speed limit is 30 miles an hour.

"There was a car coming down here last night going 100 miles an hour...its ridiculous," said Lapeikas.

As for the driver responsible, police have a message for him or her.

"Talk to us.  Give us your side of the story. The family needs closure," said Rand.

Anyone with information in the case is urged to call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471- TIPS.

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