Grieving Family Honors Melissa Gonzalez on 5-Year Anniversary of Her Tragic Death
A Life Cut Short
Laying flowers, a poster, and balloons, family and friends of Melissa Gonzalez gathered on Friday on the Miami-Dade roadway where she was killed by a stray bullet five years ago. The 22-year-old Florida International University graduate was driving with her boyfriend in her silver Chevy sedan when a bullet pierced through her window on Interstate 95 near the Northwest 79th Street exit in January 2020.
A Bright Future Lost
Investigators still don’t know who shot Melissa, who had plans to become a lawyer. Her family and friends continue to grieve, feeling that justice has not been served.
A Sister’s Plea
"I can’t believe it’s been five years," said Melanie Machado, the victim’s sister. "When this happened I was 9. I thought they would find who did it quickly, and it would all be over. But it’s been five years. Nothing’s happened. We keep grieving. It’s painful."
Police Investigation
Police do not believe that Melissa was the intended target. Investigators previously released surveillance video of someone getting into a dark-colored four-door car and speeding off west towards 7th Avenue. Despite efforts to identify the suspect, no one has been charged in connection with the crime.
Family’s Plea for Justice
Melissa’s mother, Sheila Nuñez, has been pushing for cameras along that stretch of the interstate where her daughter lost her life. There are cameras in some areas of I-95, but they only show the highway live and don’t record. Nuñez is calling for every effort to be made by the police, politicians, and Congress members to bring justice to her daughter.
Conclusion
The family and friends of Melissa Gonzalez continue to mourn the loss of their loved one, feeling that justice has not been served. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may help solve the case.
FAQs
Q: Who was Melissa Gonzalez?
A: Melissa Gonzalez was a 22-year-old Florida International University graduate who was killed by a stray bullet in January 2020.
Q: What happened to Melissa?
A: Melissa was driving with her boyfriend in her silver Chevy sedan on Interstate 95 near the Northwest 79th Street exit when a bullet pierced through her window.
Q: Do the police know who shot Melissa?
A: No, the police do not know who shot Melissa. Despite efforts to identify the suspect, no one has been charged in connection with the crime.
Q: What is the family asking for?
A: The family is asking for cameras to be installed along the stretch of the interstate where Melissa was killed, as well as every effort to be made by the police, politicians, and Congress members to bring justice to Melissa.
