Suspect Jamonta Leon Smith in Union City Hit and Run Turns Self In

Jamonta Leon Smith

The driver suspected in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Union City turned himself in on Monday, accordingto police.

Jamonta Leon Smith, 20, told police that he was returning home when he struck something on South Fulton Parkway early Sunday. Smith said he checked to see what he hit, but couldn't find anything, according to police. After seeing news reports, Smith contacted police and turned himself in.

Police said Smith is cooperating. He is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular homicide and failure to render aid, authorities said

Latara Worthy, 29, was killed while she was walking along South Fulton Parkway .

Worthy was a doting mother of a 1-year-old girl, a dedicated teacher, and a joyful student of life. That's how those who loved her are remembering the 29-year-old.

"I'm in shock," said neighbor William Simmons.

"Just to know your life could be taken that fast, it's just kind of shocking," said neighbor April Bridges.

Neighbors were stunned to hear of her sudden death. Police say a driver struck her around 2:45 a.m., and did not stop.  Family members say Worthy had stepped out of a vehicle that someone else was driving, and was about a mile away from home when she was hit.

Worthy would have celebrated her 30th birthday in just a few days, and she was about to get her Master's degree in Education-- an accomplishment she earned while teaching sixth grade at Woodland Middle School.

Wilhelmina Shanks, the victim's aunt, said she was relieved that her niece's death didn't go unnoticed.

"All we had were tears. All we still have are tears. It has been such a tragedy to us," said Wilhelmina Shanks, the victim's aunt.

It is unknown why Worthy was walking on the side of the road when she was struck.

Family members say Worthy's body should be released from the medical examiner's office Monday afternoon. They say funeral arrangements are underway.