Call renewed for information in hit-and-run that left Azusa nurse dead


AZUSA — Investigators an grieving family members renewed their public plea for information Wednesday for information leading to a hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a 52-year-old Nurse from Azusa last week.
forsaleAguida Luna died at a hospital about two hours after the 5:30 a.m. Nov. 27 collision on Citrus Avenue, just north of Laxford Road in a unincorporated county area near Azusa, California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said.
In keeping with her daily routine, Luna had been waiting for a bus to take her to train station en route to work in Glendale when she was struck by a 1994 to 1997 Acura Integra, which then fled the scene, CHP Officer Lee Kendig said.
Her sacked lunch was found on the bus bench where she usually waits, and it was unclear why she was in the roadway, Kendig said.
Family members Wednesday urged anyone with information on the fatal hit-and-run to come forward to help them find justice.
“This was a heinous act, and I can’t imagine what kind of monster could leave a body in the middle of the street, not stopping to aid or call for help,” Luna’s sister-in-law, Carla Azera said.
“This person took away one extraordinary person,” Azera said. “She was a nurse. She made a difference every day to others. She was a cancer survivor — breast cancer. She was a devoted, loyal and caring wife and step-mother.”
Luna’s husband, Marcus Luna, was devastated by the loss, but took solace in his faith,” the sister-in-law said. “He finds comfort in knowing that she’s in a better place, and that God will pass judgement and justice.”
Aguida Luna grew up in the Philippines and migrated to the San Gabriel Valley in 2003, family members said. She worked as the director of nurses at the Royal Palms Convalescent Hospital in Glendale, where family members said she was missed by colleagues and patients alike.
She is survived by four step-children, including a high school-age son who lived with her and her husband, brother-in-law Herman Azera said.
“We’ve been doing a lot of investigation and we have not had very good leads up to this point, so we’re asking that the public help us out,” Jimenez said.
A fender wall and pieces of headlight left behind at the scene allowed officers to determine the model and approximate year of the involved vehicle.
Officers hope a witness who observed a similar car with damage “most likely on the left front of the vehicle” was asked to contact investigators. Officers were also hopeful area surveillance camera footage provided by neighbors or businesses could yield clues, as well as any auto shops where the hit-and-run driver may have sought to have the damage repaired.
Family members thanked a passer-by who stopped to help Luna after discovering her wounded in the street, as well as the driver of her shuttle bus, who pulled over and began looking for her when he did not find her at her usual stop.
“It’s been hard for us. So many lives have been affected,” said Luna’s mother-in-law, Felicidad McIntosh.
“I’m appealing to you as a mother,” she said. If anyone had information, she said, “Please don’t hesitate to call the CHP in Baldwin Park.
The CHP’s Baldwin Park office can be reached during normal business hours at 626-338-1164. After hours, the CHP can be reached at 323-259-2010.

PHOTO of Aguida Luna courtesy of family members.

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