Mom searches for answers in son's fatal hit-and-run

But his mother, Sharon Hartsfield, hasn’t given up.

She, along with Raleigh officers on Sunday, returned to the area on Pettigrew Street where Smith’s body was found in hopes of finding some answers.

Smith, who was last seen at a nearby party, later died at the WakeMed.

“I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy,” Hartsfield said. “There's no way you're at a party and no one knows what happened.”

Officers handed out fliers during an information checkpoint. Community involvement is key in such cases, said Raleigh officer Chris Bradford, who added that it really helps when the victim’s family is present.

“The families usually have a connection to the community, which helps the community to be more involved,” he said.

As officers distributed information to motorists, Hartsfield and other family and friends lit candles, sang prayers and shed tears during a vigil.

“It’s just not been easy,” she said. “I wouldn’t wish it on nobody. But that’s why I’m asking for the community’s help because this could be your child.”