Family demanding ‘justice’ for woman killed in hit-and-run
Jessie Lindsey and her husband, Steven Valandingham, often went for walks around their north Phoenix neighborhood. The week before their 33rd wedding anniversary was no different — except it’s the walk Valandingham can’t stop replaying in his mind.
They went for a stroll on Friday, three days before Christmas. Valandingham laid down for a nap when they got home, he recalled Saturday while talking with reporters.
Later that afternoon, Lindsey woke her husband. She asked if he wanted to walk with her again, this time to the country market about three blocks away.
“I told her I was too tired,” he said, fighting back tears. “She left. And I didn’t see her after that.”
Police have few details to go on
Police were called to a nearby intersection not long after their conversation, about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22. A 2011 Dodge Charger crashed into the 53-yearold woman as she walked in an unmarked crosswalk in the 10000 block of North 15th Avenue, near the intersection of West Brown Street, investigators said.
Lindsey was treated and transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The vehicle’s bumper was recovered from the scene, police said. The car might have damage to the front, right side and lower, right bumper.
Beyond those details, police don’t know anything more about the car or driver, spurring Saturday’s plea from the family for the public’s help.
“We do have a vehicle description,” Sgt. Jamie Rothschild said. “But we want the public to keep an open mind.”
Family recalls woman’s singing
Lindsey, who has two adult children and three grandchildren, was planning to go to her niece’s house for Christmas dinner later that weekend.
Rather than spend the holidays together, her family was left remembering Lindsey’s smile, her love of dancing and how she was always singing — though loved ones laughed as they recalled how she could never carry a tune.
“I never imagined me burying her,” Valandingham said. “I always seen her burying me.”
Family members established a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. They have one remaining financial burden: a proper headstone for the wife who loved walks, the aunt who sang all the time and the grandmother with three grandkids.
Police have increased a possible reward to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480WITNESS. Tips can also be left anonymously at www.silentwitness.org.
Family members said they forgive the hit-and-run driver who ended Lindsey’s life.
Lindsey would have, too. “Whether you get caught now or years down the road, you’re going to be caught,” said Kendra Compton, Lindsey’s daughter. “I’m not gonna stop until we get justice for her.”
Reach the reporter at 602-444-8515, jpohl@azcentral.com or on Twitter: @pohl_jason.
“Whether you get caught now or years down the road, you’re going to be caught. I’m not gonna stop until we get justice for her.” Kendra Compton Daughter of Jessie Lindsey