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There's A New Lead In Hit-And-Run

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

jpoltilove@tampatrib.com

Published: February 28, 2009

TAMPA - Two years after a South Tampa pedestrian's death in a hit-and-run, police say they have a new lead and are encouraged they might be able to solve the case.

On Feb. 28, 2007, Christine Hodill was walking home from MacDinton's Irish Pub & Restaurant, where she had been socializing with friends after a kickball game. A motorist struck Hodill, 28, as she crossed West Cleveland Street at Moody Avenue, and then drove away.

The motorist has never been caught, even though Hodill's family advertised a $5,000 reward for information about the case.

Virginia Cornelius learned about the new lead in her daughter's death during a brief interview this week with The Tampa Tribune.

"That's good news," she said.

Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said detectives are working hard to make an arrest.

"Hitting someone and killing them and driving off, that's a pretty horrendous crime, and detectives are very passionate about finding people who do these kinds of things," Davis said.

The vehicle is described as a four-door Nissan Altima, Honda or Toyota Camry with dark green or black metallic paint, dark windows and a large spoiler. It was missing its driver-side mirror.

Hodill was a researcher and junior recruiter at Ajilon Professional Staffing in Tampa.

She worked with the World Adult Kickball Association and helped organize biweekly kickball games. There will be a remembrance event in honor of Hodill from 2 to 7 p.m. today at MacDinton's, 405 S. Howard Ave.

Her brother and friends will gather at the pub "to remember her and raise awareness of her story," according to MacDinton's Web site.
Steven Cornelius hopes one day there will be closure in his stepdaughter's death.

"I think it's just important for somebody to take responsibility for not stopping," he said.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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