By News Channel 3
newsline3@kesq.com

DESERT HOT SPRINGS - In a news conference aired live on News Channel 3 At Noon, police asked for the public's help today to find the driver of a white van that struck and killed a 13-year-old girl on her way to school two years ago.

Carissa Nwene was walking along the 1400 block of Palm Drive to Desert Springs Middle School when she was struck by a Ford van around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2007, said Sgt. Dan Bressler of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

The girl was thrown from the roadway into an open field and was not discovered for another 45 minutes, Bressler said. The teen died of her injuries later that day.

Police Chief Pat Williams said his office has requested $50,000 from the state to offer a reward for information leading to the hit-and-run driver's arrest.

Departments can qualify for the reward money when a case goes cold and investigators need additional information.

"This case has to be solved. A child should be able to walk to school safely without harm," Williams said.

The vehicle was described as a white 2003 to 2005 Ford E series panel van, based on auto parts found at the scene. The van would have been damaged on the right front side, according to Bressler.

Anyone with information about this case was asked to call Bressler at (760) 329-6411.