Police arrested an 18-year-old woman in connection with a fatal hit-and-run Tuesday that left a Sherman Oaks woman dead.
Lerone Natalia Herscu of Sherman Oaks was taken into custody and booked on felony hit-and-run charges, Jack Richter of the Los Angeles Police Department said.
She was being held on $50,000 bail, police said.
Nysmuh Taylor, 18, was crossing the street with a friend at the corner of Matilija Avenue and Moorpark Street shortly after 2 a.m. when she was struck by the driver, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Officers said the Herscu struck Taylor, drove back to the scene and then fled.
Taylor's family said she and her boyfriend had just been dropped off by a friend and were crossing the street to go to Taylor's apartment.
Police say they were not in a crosswalk, but the driver committed a felony by not stopping.
Taylor's mother, Raina Chehata, received word of her daughter's death while she was shopping.
"I fell on the floor because I couldn't believe it," Chehata said. "I thought it was a dream or a nightmare."
Taylor was supposed to start a new job Monday as a receptionist at a local car dealership. She had promised her little sister she'd take care of her.
"She said, 'When you're older I'm going to buy you a car. I want you to have everything in your life,'" said Taylor's 11-year-old sister, Paola Chehata.
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Taylor's family hopes their tragedy can serve as a reminder to drivers everywhere.
"There's lives out there, just pay attention," Taylor's mother said. "Even if they are jaywalking, I know it's wrong but still - slow down."
Jessica Perez contributed to this article.
