The identity of the woman who was killed in a hit-and-run Friday night in Newhall has not been released because her next of kin has not yet been found.

Deputy Jeff Maag of the Traffic Bureau at the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station said that the 65-year old victim may have been a local resident at one time, but that is one of the facts being researched.

“The Coroner’s office will probably be able to track down her family with their resources,” Maag explained.

The woman was walking southbound along Orchard Village Road between 16th Street and Dalbey Drive around 6 p.m. Friday. She was walking on the paved roadway, possibly because there are no sidewalks on the grass parkway.

She was struck from behind by a car driven by 68-year old Jonathan Anker of Newhall. Maag said she was declared dead at the scene.

Anker sped away from the incident, but was arrested about 30 minutes later, when deputies stopped him at Apple Street and Lyons Avenue for suspicious front end damage to his car.

“He knew what he did,” Maag said.

Anker was booked at the Santa Clarita station on suspicion of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter and was held in lieu of $50,000 bail. He posted bail and is scheduled to return to court in about 20 days.

According to Maag, there is no indication that Anker knew the victim, or that drugs or alcohol were involved.