Family Pleads for Help in Probation Officer's Hit-and-Run Crash Death

Family members and colleagues attended a news conference to announce a reward for information in Kenneth Hamilton's hit-and-run crash death

A $50,000 reward was offered Wednesday for information in the fatal hit-and-run crash involving a father of three and high school baseball coach.

Kenneth Hamilton, an employee with the Los Angeles County Probation Department, was struck and killed Oct. 28 as he was riding his motorcycle near Soto Street and Lancaster Avenue near Hazard Park, northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Family members and colleagues -- Hamilton was hired as a supervisor with the probation department in April 2009 -- attended Wednesday's news conference at which the LA City Council's reward was announced.

"Someone out there knows something, saw something or may even know the driver who fled," said Chief Probation Officer Jerry Powers. "The reward money is a reminder that Los Angeles has not forgotten."

Pictures, candles, flowers, notes and other items were left at a memorial near the crash site. Family members described him as a happy person dedicated to serving the community.

"My dad was a good man," said son Ryan Hamilton. "He served the community for a really long time."

The LA City Council is offering $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Hamilton was struck after he completed an overnight shift at Central Juvenile Hall.

The vehicle was described as a silver 4-door, 1996 to 2000 Honda Civic DX. The driver was southbound on Soto Street before changing lanes and colliding with the 55-year-old Hamilton.

Hamilton veered into a curb and was thrown from the bike.

"This is like losing one of our own," said Los Angeles Police Department detective Michael Kaden.

Hamilton is a father of three children. He also coached as an assistant with Corona's Santiago High School baseball team for 17 years.

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