The family of an 83-year-old man who was beloved in his community is pleading for the driver who struck and killed him in South Los Angeles to come forward.
Akil Batani-Khalfani, who was lovingly known as “Bird,” was killed on Sept. 30 when a hit-and-run driver struck him near the intersection of 69th Street and Central Avenue. Now, candles and a portrait of Khalfani rest at the site where the father and grandfather died.
Family and loved ones gathered on Tuesday for a vigil in honor of his life. He left his mark on the community with a legacy that includes his work as a former Youth Correctional Counselor for California Youth Authority and a former Youth Gang Counselor for the Los Angeles Community Youth Gang Services.
“You can go anywhere and anybody will tell you, they had everything great to say about my dad,” said D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani, Akil’s daughter. “Whoever has any information, any details – do not hide it … What if this was your family? What if this was your father, your mother, whoever?”
Khalfani is survived by his 15 children and 43 grandchildren.
Anyone with information on the hit-and-run is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Bureau at 323-786-5077.