A Florida mother was tragically killed in a road rage shooting on her birthday, while her daughter remains in critical condition.
Georgeann Garner, 48, and her daughter, Marileigh Lewis, were driving on Highway 231 and Harrison Avenue in Panama City, Florida, when they became victims of a violent attack. Both were shot, and first responders quickly arrived to help them. Sadly, Garner died after being taken to a nearby hospital, while her daughter was also rushed to the hospital, where she is still fighting for her life.
The shooting happened over the weekend, and Panama City police officers who were nearby heard the gunfire. They immediately chased the suspect’s vehicle. The pursuit ended when the suspect’s car crashed into a police vehicle, bringing it to a stop.
The driver of the suspect’s vehicle was identified as Ivybella Encino, 21, while the passenger was Jubal Simmons, 23. According to police, after the crash, Simmons tried to run away but was quickly caught and taken into custody.
Authorities say the tragic incident started when Encino and Simmons got angry over traffic that night. Witnesses reported that they were yelling at the people in Garner’s car. At some point, Lewis and Encino got into a physical fight before both groups returned to their vehicles.
Shortly after, Encino allegedly drove around Garner’s car, and Simmons opened fire, shooting about 11 times. Both Garner and Lewis were hit in the chest. Authorities have not yet confirmed exactly how many bullets struck them.
Investigators believe that the victims and suspects did not know each other before the incident. It appears to have been a random act of road rage that quickly turned violent.
Garner’s loved ones are heartbroken over her sudden and senseless death. Her friend, Sandra Pearson, created a GoFundMe page to help the family. She wrote, “The world lost a beautiful soul on her birthday. Georgeann was out celebrating turning 48 with her family. One moment, she was enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in Panama City Beach, and the next, her life was taken in a cruel and selfish act of violence.”
The tragic shooting has left the community in shock, and many are mourning the loss of a mother who was simply celebrating her special day with loved ones.
