Two recent fatal hit-and-run accidents in West L.A. have prompted police to ask for help finding the drivers.

Across the Southland, hit-and-runs occur every week.

"Unfortunately, these kind of accidents happen all too often," said LAPD Detective Alasea May-Jackson. "It's rare to have an actual fatal hit-and-run traffic accident."

May-Jackson said the first of two happened around 9 the night of December 2, when an older Toyota Corolla killed 60-year-old Razia Shariff near Centinella and Nebraska avenues in West L.A.

Shariff's niece Tasnim Shamji joined police in asking for the public's help. "I know that you hear the news and you hear of tragedies constantly. But understand that my Aunt Razia was an incredible woman with a smile that was always on her face despite any trial or tribulation."

Michaele Burdine lost his niece and 48-year-old goddaughter Bridgette Burdine three weeks later around 2 in the morning at Culver Boulevard and Pershing Drive in West L.A. "I believe that they hit 'em, panicked and left. But we need some closure on this and we'd like the person to turn themselves in."

Burdine called his niece beautiful on the inside and out, and generous to a fault. Police have no description of the car involved in the second incident.