Mother had her daughter in the car when a couple she had a terse standoff earlier pulled up next to them and fired 11 shots, killing the woman and injuring the girl; couple charged
Florida – In a harrowing incident of road rage in Florida, a birthday celebration turned tragic when a single mother of two, identified as G. Garner, was fatally shot in front of her teenage daughter. The victim was celebrating her 48th birthday moments before she was gunned down at a red light last Saturday.
Garner was driving her red SUV with her 19-year-old daughter, identified as M. Lewis, and another passenger when the incident took place. A vehicle, driven by a 21-year-old woman, identified as I. Encino, and her 23-year-old boyfriend, identified as J. Simmons, pulled up alongside Garner’s vehicle. Without warning, Simmons opened fire, discharging 11 rounds into Garner’s vehicle.
The attack occurred after a terse standoff related to an earlier traffic incident involving the two vehicles. Garner, who had never met the assailants, was shot in the chest and succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. Her daughter, Lewis, who was also struck in the chest, was critically wounded and rushed to the ICU with extensive injuries, necessitating prolonged medical treatment and incurring significant medical costs. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with her medical expenses, detailing the severity of her condition and the long recovery ahead.
The third passenger in Garner’s vehicle fortunately escaped physical harm but was left to deal with the emotional aftermath of the incident. Following the shooting, Encino and Simmons attempted to flee the scene but were quickly apprehended by the police department. The capture of the suspects provided some solace to the community and the grieving family, though it did little to alleviate the pain of the loss.
Simmons was charged with nine offenses, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held without bond. His girlfriend, Encino, faces charges of being an accessory to murder, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and driving with a suspended license, among other charges. Her bond was set at $800,500.
The local community and those who knew Garner are mourning the loss of a woman described by friends as having a “smile that would light up a room” and a laugh that could warm hearts. The GoFundMe page set up in her memory also pays tribute to her vibrant spirit and the senseless nature of her death, emphasizing the profound impact of road rage and the need for increased awareness and prevention.
As the legal proceedings progress, the community continues to rally around the family, providing support and advocating for justice for Garner and her daughter. The case has also sparked broader discussions about road rage, gun violence, and public safety, with local authorities reiterating their commitment to tackling these pressing issues. Garner’s untimely death is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of momentary anger and violence, leaving two young children without a mother and a community in shock. As the court date approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of this tragic case, with many hoping for justice and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
