Karen Bass, Curren Price Offer $50,000 Reward in Hit-and-Run Case of Community Elder & Historian

Cover: Akil Batani-Khalfani, known as “Bird,” in an undated portrait.

South Central, Los Angeles–The family of Akil Batani-Khalfani is seeking answers after the 83-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run in South Central, Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass is working with Council District 9 Councilmember Curren Price and the Los Angeles Police Department to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information in the fatal hit-and-run that killed historian and community leader Akil Saud Batani-Khalfani, also known as “Bird.”

Batani-Khalfani, 83, was struck near Central Avenue and 69th Street around 8:30 p.m. on September 30, 2026. Bass announced the reward effort on October 8. His daughter, D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani says the collision happened Sept. 30 around 8:30 p.m. on Central Avenue between 68th and 69th streets, near the post office parking lot.

His daughter described difficulty obtaining information from police after the investigation was reassigned. The family is asking for answers from law enforcement about the collision and the investigation. Batani-Khalfani is a former youth correctional counselor and community youth gang counselor. Bass said her office has contacted Batani-Khalfani’s family, connected them with services and is supporting LAPD’s efforts to identify the driver. The mayor’s office described Bird as a community leader, historian and author.

In an October 9 update, the mayor’s office said investigators were seeking the driver of a dark blue, four-door sedan shown in newly released video. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation also began a safety assessment near Central Avenue and 69th street following the fatal hit-and-run. The review includes a physical survey and an examination of traffic history and LAPD incident data to determine whether additional safety measures are needed.

The department will evaluate potential improvements after completing the assessment, according to the city’s investigation and street-safety update.

For his daughter, D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani, Bird’s legacy was both deeply personal and rooted in his service to others. She recalled his work as a youth gang counselor with the California Youth Authority where he helped young men leave gangs and pursue education. She also described his extensive knowledge of Los Angeles history and his dedication to building understanding between Black and Brown communities. At home, she remembered a father whose humor, guidance and love shaped her life.

“He was my protector, my teacher, and my source of wisdom,” D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani shared.

Justice For Bird Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-bird-after-tragic-loss