DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida family and Miami-Dade homicide investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a fatal shooting on Interstate 95 that claimed a woman’s life back in January 2020, hoping to end the agonizing uncertainty and bring her killer to justice.
The family of 22-year-old Melissa Gonzalez gathered at the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Tuesday, making a heartfelt plea for justice, hoping someone will come forward with answers to help close the painful chapter of not knowing who killed their loved one.
“We deserve to know who did this,” said the victim’s sister Melanie Gonzalez.
The victim’s mother, Sheilla Nuñez, urged the public to come forward with any information they might have.
“What happened to my daughter could happen to anyone, any mother, any father, any child,” said Nuñez.
On Friday, January 3, 2020, around 8:30 p.m., Melissa and her boyfriend were traveling in the southbound lanes of I-95 in the area of Northwest 79th Street when she was shot and killed by a stray bullet, according to the sheriff’s office.
Loved ones said Melissa was on the way to the hospital to visit her sick grandfather when the fatal bullet traveled across the highway and hit her in the head.
“To know that something like this happened to her and to not know who did it, to not know why it happened, it hurts,” said Melanie.
Five years after the shooting, investigators are left with more questions than answers, with the only definitive clue being a dark colored sedan, which appears to be a BMW.
“A vehicle, that’s a vehicle of interest to us. It’s a vehicle that we believe is fleeing the area where we believe the shots originated from,” said Lead Detective Juan Segovia.
As for the grieving family, the heartbreak is still just as palpable.
“She had graduated Florida International University. She was on her way to becoming a lawyer because she believed in justice, fairness,” said Melanie. “She was amazing, she didn’t deserve this.”
Her family said they hope someone comes forward and helps them find some peace and justice in her name.
“I hope that we’re able to find who did this and that justice is made so at least we have a little clarity and we have a little peace because it’s hard, it’s really hard,” said Melanie.
Detectives said they’ve ruled out the possibility of road rage.
If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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