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Family Hopes Classic Car Reward Will Help Search For Hit-And-Run Suspect

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Police have no leads in the investigation of a hit-and-run driver who killed a Vietnam War veteran last month, but his family is now giving away a classic muscle car for information leading to the suspect's capture.

Jonni Carkhum's father Sgt. Collis Carkhum survived the Vietnam War and a bad car accident that broke his back, only to be killed by a hit and run driver on his walk home from a friend's house, last month.

"And nobody knows who hit him. We don't have any leads other than a piece of a car. Other than that, that's the most I know," Jonni said.

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But his only daughter Jonni is not willing to settle.

"I want answers and I want them now," Jonni said.

So she's using this shiny red car to get answers.

classic camaro
Photo of the partially-restored 1969 Camaro. (Credit: Jonni

"All of my family have gotten together and done this to support my dad," Jonni said.

The family is giving away a partially-restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro as a reward for any information leading to an arrest.

"I'm so glad we kept it in the family and we're able to offer this," Jonni said.

It's not just any classic car; it's her grandfather's pride and joy.

Collis Carkhum I passed it on for his grandchildren to enjoy.

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"We got to figure out what happened, because I mean, what's to look at my car and not have my dad?" Jonni said. "I just can't let it rest like this."

The car needs some more work. But fixed up, it has an appraised value of $65,000.

"Whoever gets their lucky hands on it, it may be a bit of a project but it's definitely worth it," Jonni said.

Collis Carkhum would have celebrated his 65th birthday Monday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sacramento Police Department.

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