Reward Out for Mercedes Driver Who Killed Boy

Silver Mercedes hit a mom and her young son only steps away from their home

On the same day when a $2,500 reward is being offered to track down whoever was behind the wheel of a silver Mercedes when he or she hit and a killed a 2-year-old and injured the boy's mother.

The reward is being offered for information leading to the driver who struck Dionicia Leone, 20, and her son Dereck Martinez just block from their home.

Mother and child were walking across the street at the intersection of 6th Street and Washington Avenue on their way home from the store Saturday night when they were struck by a silver Mercedes, police said.

Dereck was pronounced dead at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at 9:04 p.m., according to authorities.

The boy's uncle, Adrian Leon, described his nephew as the love of his life.

"My sister told me the only thing she remembers is that the car hit her first," Leon said through a translator. "She passed out for a moment and when she came to she looked for her baby but there was nothing she could do."

Witnesses described the car as a late model four-door silver Mercedes CLS with 19-inch chrome wheels and low profile tires. The car will likely have front-end damage.

Leon hopes the person responsible comes forward so that Dereck's family can finally find closure.

Police are looking for the driver who left the mother and child in the street. The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $2,500 reward.


Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Contact Us