The parents of a young boy hit and killed by an oncoming car in Baldwin Hills Monday night want new safety measures enacted so that the tragedy will not be repeated.
The parents of eight-year-old Leonard Batiste said the boy was crossing the street near their home on Marlton Avenue when a car struck him. According to witnesses, the boy died in his mother’s arms.
Detective Sandra Smith of the South Traffic Division, who investigated the fatality, said the boy ran between two parked cars. “A driver was coming down the hill and she just didn’t see him,” said Smith, who said the driver, whose name has not been released, did not have time to put on her brakes. “She’s in shock over the incident. It was an accident, so no criminal violations have been filed,” said Smith.
Alishia and Shay Wiley said there are no speed bumps or flashing lights to slow down traffic near their home.
The distraught parents plan to appear before the city council to fight for the safety measures.
The Wileys are also appealing to the public to help them with their son’s burial expenses. Donations can be dropped off at any branch of Wells Fargo bank in the name of Leonard Batiste. The account number is 2297181063.
