Philadelphia nun killed in hit-and-run 20 years ago; suspect still sought

Nun hit-and-run case: Philly police renew call for answers 20 years later

Police are making a new push to solve the fatal hit-and-run of a local nun, Sister Paul Mercedes, who was killed 20 years ago while crossing Cottman Avenue in Mayfair on her way to mass.

PHILADELPHIA - It's been 20 years since a beloved nun was taken from the Philadelphia community, and the person responsible for her death has yet to be caught.

Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help to find new leads, solve the case and bring closure to the nun's friends and family.

What we know:

Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca was killed while walking to church on January 9, 2006.

Police say Sister Paul Mercedes, a 61-year-old nun and 8th grade teacher at Saint Martin of Tours School, was struck in the crosswalk at Cottman Avenue and Hawthorne at 6:30 a.m.

She was struck by a vehicle making a left turn from Hawthorne Street.

She was dragged 20 feet and left in the road, according to investigators.

Witnesses told police that the driver stopped momentarily about one block away before driving off without offering any help.

Dig deeper:

Police say the striking vehicle was a two-tone red 1987-89 Ford F150 pick-up truck.

The truck had silver running boards, "FORD" embossed on the tailgate, and an 8-foot bed with no toolbox or ladder rack at the time.

It also left the scene with a missing or broken front, driver-side amber lamp.

Police collected physical evidence at the scene, including vehicle parts and paint chips, and forensic experts examined particles from Sister Mercedes' clothing. 

Nearby auto repair shops were checked for matching damage, but no leads emerged, according to Apeldorn. 

Despite the years, police and the Citizens Crime Commission have released new photos of the truck and are hoping for a break in the case. 

The initial reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest still stands. 

What they're saying:

Philadelphia police say they remain committed to finding the suspected driver as the case marked its 20th anniversary last week.

"Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca was a prominent figure in the local community, serving as a dedicated eighth-grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours School. Her death left a profound void in the parish and the lives of the many students she mentored."

A fellow nun remembered Sister Mercedes at her funeral, saying, "I think she was the most wonderful and dedicated sister among us really. We have a lot but I guess she was extra special." 

What you can do:

Police are urging anyone who may have lived in the neighborhood at the time, worked in automotive repair, or heard details regarding the crash to come forward. 

"A lot of times people remember things after it happened or maybe they just didn't make that initial call because they didn't want to and everything changes now and they are willing to come forward. That is what we are hoping for," said John Apeldorn, president of the Citizens Crime Commission. 

Sister Mercedes' nephew made a plea to the person responsible, saying, "We want to tell the guy who ran down our aunt to allow us some closure and also make himself right with god by turning himself in."

"Even the smallest detail could be the break investigators need."