Search continues for driver who struck and killed woman in Mattapan

BOSTON — Boston Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a vehicle of interest after a woman was found dead in the street in the city's Mattapan neighborhood.

The woman, identified by police as 57-year-old Brenda Lee Keller of Boston, was found dead at the intersection of Hiawatha and Fottler roads in Mattapan shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday. She suffered apparent head trauma, police said.

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Police on Friday released photographs of a motor vehicle that was seen traveling on Hiawatha Road in the direction of Blue Hill Avenue.

The vehicle is described as a black-colored sedan with windows that appeared to be tinted.

The driver, who was last seen walking away from the scene towards Tennis Road, is described as a black female with a heavy build and long hair, wearing a white shirt and black pants.

Neighbors who knew Keller said Saturday that they hope the driver comes forward.

"I hope whoever, and you know who you are, for whatever your reasons, I hope you come forward and just be honest because I need my neighbor to rest in peace," said Purple Branch.

Friends say Keller was struck by a vehicle while walking back from a pizza shop. She had planned to bring food to the neighborhood kids after they got off the bus.

"If you was hungry she fed you. Them little boys was our boys. She loved them like they was hers. She was going to get the pizza. She wanted it ready when they got out of school. That’s why it was that time in the afternoon," Branch said.

"She’s a blessing to Mattapan," Branch said. "Anybody, if you knew her, you had a good friend. And if you didn’t know her you missed out on a good friend."

A witness says she saw Keller fall when crossing the street. Neighbors believe the car hit her shortly after.

Neighbors are still struggling with the loss. They say they won't find peace until the driver is found.

"How can you do this? I mean, like, she was a person, somebody’s daughter, somebody’s mother, somebody’s sister. No one deserves that," Branch said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Boston Police homicide detectives at 617-343-4470 or people can provide tips anonymously by calling 800-494-TIPS.

Cox Media Group