Reward Offered in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Chicago - A $10,000 reward is now being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver who hit and killed a 25 year old DePaul University student on Halloween night.

Rachel Gilliam worked as a bartender at Bowman’s Bar at Lincoln and Montrose. She left the bar around 3:30 A.M. November first and walked two blocks south on Lincoln Avenue to try and hail a cab. As she crossed the street at Collum Avenue she was hit by a southbound car that never stopped.

“We know someone knows something and we hope they will come forward so this terrible thing can help bring some closure, but also we would never want this to happen to another family," said Gilliam’s mother Janine O’Shea.

Gilliam’s friends and co-workers organized a benefit at Bowman’s Tuesday night to raise money to help her parents pay for the funeral, and to add to the reward money if possible. Dozens of people turned out to help the cause.

"Really it’s been surreal, we can’t believe this happened. Rachel was such a lively person, she was so spunky and fun and smart,” said her friend and co-worker Ashley Brown who organized the benefit.

Gilliam’s mother, step-father and sister drove in from Kansas City for the fundraiser, and to thank all of her “Chicago family” for their support during this very difficult time.

“My sister was a fiercely loyal friend and she really loved and was loved by everyone who came in contact with her. She had a really contagious smile,” said her sister Audrey.

Police believe the vehicle that hit and killed Gilliam was a silver four door car.

Video from Bowman's security camera captured images of a car going by just before the accident.

A private detective hired by the family believes it sustained damage to the hood and driver’s side mirror.

That investigator, Susan Carlson, is working with police to enhance the video so they can make out a license plate.

Friends are circulating a reward poster on line and posting copies at businesses up and down Lincoln Avenue, hoping someone will come forward.