Father of 12-year-old killed in hit-and-run desperate for closure; Police offer $5,000 reward for information

On Nov. 25 around 7:30 p.m., 12-year-old Samantha Briggs was attempting to cross the street near the 6500 block of Hillsborough St. when she was hit by a car that fled the scene.

The girl was transported to the hospital, where she died due to her injuries.

A Christmas tree decorated with the young girl’s favorite color served as a memorial in Raleigh.

Her father Samuel Briggs said the inability to track down the suspect is a tough pill to swallow.

"The last thing I said to her was 'I love you' and she loves me," said Samuel Briggs. "Those were our last words."

Those last words from a loving father to his baby girl.

Samuel Briggs just celebrated Samantha Brigg’s 12th birthday on Thanksgiving day; The celebration would turn to tragedy the next day when that car hit her and took off - the driver is still on the run 3 weeks later.

For weeks, police have been looking for a white Hyundai hybrid made between 2006 and 2008.

"The only thing I wish for is for people to help me out so we can get this guy," said Samuel Briggs.

On Friday afternoon, officers returned to the scene of the hit-and-run to hand out flyers and spread the word of the reward. It is an unusual step for the department, but one necessitated by the lack of information around Briggs' death.

An unusual step, but one Lt. Jason Borneo said was necessary at this point in the investigation.

"We are reaching out, branching out, using different strategies to try to generate tips and leads to bring closure to the family," said Borneo.

Closure desperately wanted after weeks of no concrete answers.