ATLANTA — Atlanta Police have named a suspect in a case where a 9-year-old boy died one year ago in a hit-and-run accident.
Officers said Wednesday they are looking for 58-year-old Tomasa Mendoza, who is wanted for homicide by vehicle following the death of Jamal Dean.
Jamal was hit outside the Rosel Fann Recreation Center off Cleveland Avenue around 6:40 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2023. Police said he was taken to the hospital, where he died.
At the time, authorities said they were possibly looking for the person who may have been driving a red pickup truck. Now -- exactly one year after the deadly tragedy -- police accuse Mendoza of being behind the wheel of the truck that left the scene after hitting the 9-year-old.
Last year, Councilmember Antonio Lewis, who serves over the district where it happened, said there was a registration event for a youth parks and recreation basketball league that was taking place at the time of the accident. Lewis said the 9-year-old was at the center with his mom, getting registered to play in the basketball league.
After the tragedy, Jamal's father, Christopher Dean, said the family was heartbroken that his son's life was cut short.
"He was my baby. I am so devastated," he previously said.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 in the case.
Anyone with information can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward.