Union City hit-run suspect released on bond; police still investigating

By Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Police continue to investigate the details behind the weekend hit-and-run death of a Fulton County middle school teacher, even after charging a suspect.

Latara Patrice Worthy was struck and killed early Sunday morning as she walked on South Fulton Parkway east of the intersection at Mason Road, after exiting someone's car on the unlit road.

The driver, Jamonta Leon Smith, 20, surrendered to Union City police Monday on charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to render aid, authorities said. He posted $16,000 bond early Tuesday and was released.

"I'm just glad they caught the guy. Justice will be served," worthy's husband, Jarrett Worthy, told Channel 2 Action News.

But investigators still have questions.

"We are still investigating," Union City police Detective Gloria Hodgson said.

It is unclear why the woman was walking on South Fulton Parkway, but she had been riding in a car at some point, Hodgson said.

The person driving that car stopped after the accident, Hodgson said, although police won't say who the driver was.

Smith and police have acknowledged, however, that visibility was low at around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, when the incident happened on the dark four-lane highway less than a mile from Worthy's home.

“As it was dark and the roadway was wet at the time … it is unknown if the driver of the vehicle was aware that he ... struck Ms. Worthy,” Hodgson said Monday in a statement.

Police said Smith told them he was coming home when he crested a hill and struck something in the road.

“After stopping his vehicle, Smith opened the door and looked to see what he had struck,” Hodgson said. “After failing to see anything, Smith continued home.”

Smith saw news reports of the accident, turned himself in and is cooperating with police in the investigation, Hodgson said.

Worthy, 29, was a married mother of one and a teacher at Woodland Middle School in College Park.

She was returning from celebrating her birthday with friends.

Police are not saying who saw the accident, but witnesses told police that Worthy apparently was in the roadway when she was hit.

Hodgson said an incident report may be released Tuesday afternoon.

Police are asking anyone with information on the accident to contact investigators at 770-964-1333.

Please return for updates.