A Cuban-American family residing in South Florida, along with Miami-Dade homicide detectives, continue to seek the community's assistance in identifying the perpetrator of a deadly shooting on I-95. This tragic event claimed the life of 22-year-old Melissa González in January 2020. On Tuesday, Melissa's family gathered at the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office to make an emotional appeal for justice, hoping that someone will come forward with information to help them close the painful chapter of not knowing who killed their loved one.
Sheila Nuñez, Melissa's mother, urged the public to provide any information they might have. "What happened to my daughter could happen to anyone—any mother, any father, any child," she stated in heartfelt remarks reported by local media. "We deserve to know who did this," added Melanie González, Melissa's sister. "Knowing something like this happened to her and not knowing who did it, not knowing why it happened, hurts," she continued.
Tragic Events of That Night
On Friday, January 3, 2020, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Melissa and her boyfriend were traveling southbound on I-95 near Northwest 79th Street. Melissa was tragically shot in the head by what was considered a "stray bullet," as reported by the sheriff's office at the time. Her family mentioned that Melissa was on her way to visit her sick grandfather in the hospital when the fatal bullet crossed the highway and struck her.
Five years since the shooting, investigators are still faced with more questions than answers. The only solid clue remains a dark-colored sedan, believed to be a BMW. "A vehicle of interest. We think it's fleeing the area where the shots originated," stated Detective Chief Juan Segovia on Tuesday.
A Life Full of Potential
Melissa had recently graduated from Florida International University and was on her way to becoming a lawyer because she believed in justice and fairness, Melanie shared during Tuesday's meeting. "She was incredible; she didn't deserve this," she added.
The González family has been pursuing justice for five years, hoping someone will come forward to help them find peace and justice. "I hope we can find who did this and that justice will be served so we can have some clarity and a bit of peace because it's hard, it's really hard," Melanie concluded.
Detectives have ruled out road rage as a motive from the outset. Anyone with relevant information about the case is encouraged to call the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers Line at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Community's Role in Solving the Case
How can someone provide information about the case?
Anyone with information can contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers Line at 305-471-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward.
What was Melissa González doing on the night of the shooting?
Melissa was on her way to visit her grandfather in the hospital when she was struck by a stray bullet.
What details do investigators have about the suspect's vehicle?
The vehicle of interest is a dark-colored sedan, believed to be a BMW, seen fleeing the area where the shots were fired.