Lidia Carranza, 22 [Update]

Lidia Carranza, a 22-year-old Latina, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, after being hit by a car near Polk Street and San Fernando Road in Sylmar, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said that Carranza was partying with her friends shortly before 1:20 a.m.

At one point, one of the men she was talking to purposely swerved his car and hit her, and she rolled over the hood, Winter said.

Carranza was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where she was pronounced dead at 7:28 a.m. Coroner’s records show she died from multiple blunt-force trauma.

Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are investigating the homicide.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain more information about the death and will post an update as soon as possible.

[Updated Dec. 27: Valley Traffic Division Det. A. Sanchez, who is handling the case, said that officials have identified Julio Cesar, a 22-year-old Latino, as a suspect in connection with the slaying.

A warrant for Cesar’s arrest is being filed, but officials believe he has fled to Mexico. Cesar is 5 feet 5 and weights 140 pounds. He also goes by Alvarado and Momasterio.

Cesar had left his car at a friend’s house, Sanchez said. Officials found the 2002 Nissan Sentra during the investigation and have it as evidence.

No one else was injured, Sanchez said, and Cesar was the only person in the car.

Anyone with additional details about the homicide is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Det. A. Sanchez at (818) 644-8033. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]

-- Rosanna Xia