Local mom pushes for answers two years after daughter's hit-and-run death

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — November 17, 2013. Jo-Lee Manning will never forget that date. It's the day her 15-year-old daughter Haley Smith was struck and killed in a hit-and-run.

Two years after the crash, she gathered at the spot where Haley was struck with family and friends for a candlelight vigil.

For Manning, the marker is a reminder that whoever hit her daughter is still out there.

"Hard to believe it's been two years and that the person hasn't come forward," said Manning.

Since the crash, Manning has dedicated her life to spreading awareness about hit-and-runs.

"I feel like one of my jobs is to be her voice and spread awareness of the epidemic that we have," said Manning.

Haley had just left Publix that night. She was walking home with two friends carrying a pie when a car ran her over.

Despite eye witnesses and evidence, including a side view mirror police recovered at the scene, no arrests have been made.

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Investigators believe an S-10 Chevrolet or an S-15 GMC was involved but they're not ruling out the possibility that it could also have been an SUV.

"We don't label cases cold but I think we can all say obviously it's slowing down. We're looking for more information," said Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Manning frequently visits the marker, keeping it up, making sure it has flowers and that the CrimeStoppers sign is up right.

It's been two long years for her and her family but she's not losing hope.

"I'm not going to stop, you know. We may be here 20 years from now, but I'll be here," said Manning.

Investigators say at this point, they're relying on tips to solve this case. The lead detective in the case was at the vigil Tuesday. He said the majority of the tips that help solve these types of cases come in anonymously via CrimeStoppers.

The challenging part, according to Mulligan, is that a state statute requires law enforcement to have a "wheel witness" to the crime that can put the suspect in the driver's seat.

Manning would like to a see a comprehensive website created with information on all local unsolved hit-and-runs so it can help generate more tips.

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