Nafeece Jenkins identified as man fatally struck in hit-and-run on Lehigh Avenue, suspect sought
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A grieving family is holding a vigil Monday night for their loved one who was killed in a hit-and-run in North Philadelphia.
The tragedy was caught on camera near 12th Street and Lehigh Avenue early Sunday morning.
The victim was identified as 32-year-old Nafeece Jenkins.
Authorities are looking for the driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run in North Philadelphia.
“It was hard not to love him,” said Jenkin’s mother, Sharon Carter.
Jenkin was known for his good energy that would bring people together.
Carter said the family will miss that special spark as they grieve his sudden, tragic loss.
“I’m numb,” said Carter. “That was my oldest son. I just really can’t believe it happened.”
Philadelphia police said Jenkins was crossing the 1200 block of Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia at 1:45 a.m. Sunday when he was struck and killed by a vehicle.
“You didn’t have to hit him like a bowling ball and keep going,” said Carter.
“Nobody deserves that at all — to see him get hit like that,” said his uncle, Derrick Cave.
Ring video shows Jenkins walking as a white Honda speeds down the street and slams into him. The impact was so intense that Jenkins flew several feet into another vehicle.
Neighbors said they heard the crash.
“It was a disaster. It was the worst we’ve seen around here in a long time. It was really bad,” said one neighbor.
In the video, you can hear the screeching tires as the driver speeds away.
Officers later found the car with severe damage in the 1200 block of Park Avenue.
Residents said reckless driving has been a problem in their neighborhood.
“We not even safe out here no more,” said Dawn Brown, who lives nearby. “I’m scared to cross the street.”
Neighbors and Jenkins’s family plead with the suspect to do the right thing.
Jenkins had a one-year-old son.
“Whoever it was, just come forward,” said Cave. “She [Carter] deserves this. His child deserves this.”
“Turn yourself in. Give hope. Give closure,” said Carter.
The family is holding a vigil Monday at 5:30 p.m. at 58th and Arch streets.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
