Authorities identify woman killed in Wakefield hit-and-run

Police have solved half of the mystery of Monday's hit-and-run in Wakefield, identifying the victim as Susan Harmon, a 44-year-old grandmother from Melrose.

The identity of the driver, who hit Harmon while she sat in the middle of Greenwood Street on Monday evening, remains unknown. The driver, of what police described as a tan or greenish-colored Audi, did not stop at the scene.

"We are looking for the community's help, people's help, in identifying the car that struck Susan Harmon," Police Chief Richard E. Smith said yesterday. "We are dedicated to finding the people responsible for this tragedy."

Harmon's identity remained unknown for 24 hours after her death because she carried no identification.

Harmon's relatives who were contacted yesterday declined to discuss her life and death.

A woman who identified herself only as Harmon's aunt, said the family's main concern is finding out who hit Harmon and why they did not stop.

"Nobody can imagine why whoever it was hasn't come forward," she said.

A couple out for walk told police that they saw a woman sitting on the road at twilight.

When they tried to get her to move, she wouldn't budge. The couple had to jump out of the way of an oncoming car, and watched as Harmon was struck.

For the next day, Wakefield detectives, with detectives from surrounding agencies, identified people in the community who may have fit the victim's description. Yesterday morning, detectives cracked the mystery when they contacted one of Harmon's family members in Melrose, who then identified her remains.

That identification was later confirmed using dental records.

Police said Harmon lived in an apartment a few blocks from where she was struck.