Reward Increased To $7,000 In Case Of FIU Grad Shot, Killed Last Year On I-95
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - More than a year after Melissa Gonzalez, 22, was killed, there is still no justice for her family.
On Thursday, Miami-Dade Police released surveillance footage, showing someone getting into a dark-colored 4-door car. That car then sped off not far from the scene and it happened around the same time of the shooting.
With Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar by her side translating, Gonzalez's mother Sheilla Nunez pleaded at Miami-Dade Police Headquarters.
"This is obviously the most difficult case of my life. It is the worst thing a mother can go through," said Nunez. "I have been suffering. My life is almost over. The only thing that can help a little bit is to find the person for whatever reason it was that ended my daughter's life."
On January 3, 2020, Gonzalez was in the car with her boyfriend. They were driving on I-95 when Melissa was hit and killed by a stray bullet. Only 22 years old, the FIU graduate was also an aspiring lawyer.
"My daughter was an excellent daughter and an excellent person," said Nunez. "The moment she was about to take an exam to get to law school, she lost her life. Please I beg you. Whatever person is watching this and can help...if you have a child, have a grandchild, just think of me and the pain I'm going through. That's why I need your help."
Lead detective Juan Segovia also pleaded with the public.
"Not as a member of law enforceent... but a member of humanity," said Detective Segovia. "I've gotten to know Sheilla very well for the last year. I've had so many sleepless nights, a lot of frustrating days."
Detective Segovia believes someone out there knows something that could bring closure for Nunez. Police still don't have a motive.
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"I don't know why she was shot. It could've been an accident. Unless someone calls me and gives me something, I'm never going to know," said Segovia. "If anybody has a heart out there if you're listening... have a heart. Be a hero."
"I have great faith that after today, something is going to get resolved and something is going to enlighten my path to fight justice," said Nunez.
There is now a $7000 reward for any information leading to a possible arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or (305) 471-TIPS.
