Hit-and-run investigation underway after woman fatally struck while crossing Southern Avenue in south Phoenix

What happened

A woman was killed in a hit-and-run collision late at night at a south Phoenix intersection, prompting an ongoing search for the driver who left the scene.

The crash occurred at about 10:30 p.m. near 39th Avenue and Southern Avenue. Investigators said the woman was struck by a vehicle while she was crossing Southern Avenue. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police identified her as 37-year-old Angela Innis.

What investigators have said so far

Police said the vehicle involved fled the area after the collision. No description of the vehicle was released in the initial public information.

Detectives have asked anyone with information that could help identify the driver or vehicle to contact police or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Witness.

Why hit-and-run cases can be difficult to solve

Hit-and-run investigations typically rely on a narrow window of evidence that can quickly disappear: passing traffic, low-light conditions, and the limited likelihood of immediate witnesses at late hours can reduce usable leads. When a vehicle leaves the scene, identifying features such as damage patterns, paint transfer, debris, and parts left behind may become key to narrowing down make and model. Investigators also commonly review nearby private and commercial surveillance systems when available.

What leaving the scene means in practice

In fatal crashes involving pedestrians, investigators generally work to establish a timeline, determine the direction of travel, and confirm the sequence of events through physical evidence and available video. When a driver departs without stopping, investigators also seek information about any subsequent vehicle repairs that might indicate crash damage consistent with the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw a vehicle leaving the area, or has relevant video from the vicinity of 39th Avenue and Southern Avenue around 10:30 p.m. is urged to report it to investigators.

Key confirmed details

• Location: near 39th Avenue and Southern Avenue in south Phoenix
• Time: about 10:30 p.m.
• Victim: 37-year-old Angela Innis
• Circumstances: struck while crossing Southern Avenue; transported to hospital; later pronounced dead
• Status: driver fled; investigation ongoing; no vehicle description publicly released in initial information

The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated they are seeking public assistance to identify the vehicle and the person who was driving it at the time of the crash.