Vigil planned for teen found dead in Palm Springs

The family of a 16-year-old girl, who may have been hit and killed by a vehicle, plans to hold a vigil in her honor on Friday.

The body of Zia Hoyos was found on Gene Autry Trail, north of East Via Escuela, about 1:35 a.m. on May 21.

Police said she may have been the victim of a hit-and-run, but the cause of death was still under investigation, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

“(She) had injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle,” Palm Springs police Sgt. Mike Villegas said.

Friday marks one day before what would have been Hoyos’ 17th birthday, and family members say they’re frustrated and upset there have been no arrests.

“No one can move forward,” said Linette Ochoa, Hoyos’ aunt. “(Zia’s mother) is in bad shape. It’s her baby daughter. She won’t be the same until we have justice.”

The vigil is planned for Friday at 8 p.m. at the site where Hoyos’ body was discovered.

“As a community, we are family. We need to pull together and protect each other. Everyone needs support, and he mother needs answers and closure,” Ochoa said.

Anyone with more information about her death was asked to call police at 760-323-8115, or Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.