By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A 72-year-old woman died nearly two months after she was struck by a driver in a hit-and-run crash in Phoenix, and her best friend is demanding accountability.
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Sherry Hinojosa died over the weekend at a long-term care facility, according to her best friend Joyce Pickens. Hinojosa was described as an animal lover who was outgoing and independent.
“I am very angry. And I’m hurt. I’ll never see my friend again,” Pickens said.
The crash
Just before 7:15 p.m. on April 19, Hinojosa left her home at the Phoenix Manor Senior Apartments and crossed the street at 43rd and Virginia avenues to try to get to the bus stop, Pickens said. She never made it.
“It’s very hard for me to come down here. Because I know this is where she lost her life,” Pickens said.
The police report says a 24-year-old drunk driver without a license struck Hinojosa in front of a Phoenix fire station and then kept going. Officers say witnesses called 911 and followed him to Thomas Road, where he finally stopped.
“He left and just was going to just leave her there laying in the street to die. And he just took off for no reason,” Pickens said.
Driver admitted to drinking
According to detectives, the driver admitted to drinking at least three beers before getting behind the wheel and said he knew he hit Hinojosa, but he didn’t stop because he was scared.
“If you’re any kind of a human being, how can you do that? I just don’t understand,” Pickens said.
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Records show he was criminally cited for DUI, driving without a license and leaving the scene of an accident. But he was released from custody that same night.
“Why isn’t he behind bars? Why isn’t he having to be accountable for what he’s done to my friend? She’s dead,” Pickens said.
Victim’s injuries
Hinojosa had 27 broken bones and a head injury, Pickens said.
While planning a funeral, Pickens is pushing for accountability.
“I mean, this is unreal. How can it happen? How can someone get away with this?” Pickens said. “Get justice for Sherry.”
Phoenix police have not responded to questions about why the driver was released the same night of the hit-and-run or if any of his charges changed since Hinojosa died.
Phoenix police are investigating two other deadly hit-and-runs this week, one involving a toddler and another involving a man on a bike.
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