Miami

‘It'll Never Leave My Mind': Family of Woman Killed in I-95 Shooting Seeks Answers

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, Melissa Gonzalez, and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Veliz Cortina, were driving southbound on the highway when shots were fired

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The family of the 22-year-old woman who was shot while driving on Interstate 95 in Miami Friday are still coming to terms with her tragic death.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, Melissa Gonzalez, and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Veliz Cortina, were driving southbound on the highway near Northwest 79th street when shots were fired.

Gonzalez was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition before passing away.

Cortina recalled the moment the two were under fire.

"It was just one shot," Cortina said. "[The bullet] hit her and she didn't make it."

A woman who was shot Friday night while driving on Interstate 95 in Miami has passed away, highway officials say.

Cortina said Gonzalez slumped over and he had to take the wheel of the white Chevy sedan she was driving.

"She was so innocent, we were happy. Everything was good, and all of a sudden, it was one shot. She fell forward. I had to hold the steering wheel alone. It'll never leave my mind," Cortina said.

According to Gonzalez's family, she had graduated from Florida International University in the summer of 2018 and had plans of going to law school. Her mother says she was set to take the LSAT in just a few weeks.

NBC 6 spoke with Gonzalez's brother over the phone from Cuba. He, along with relatives, say everyone lost an angel.

"There are no years in jail that can punish that man. He destroyed our family."

FHP is investigating the incident but said they have no leads on the suspect.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

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