A tragic road rage incident in Panama City, Florida, resulted in the fatal shooting of a single mother in front of her daughter on Saturday, February 22, according to the Panama City Police Department (PCPD).
Georgeann Park Garner was celebrating her 48th birthday and Mardi Gras with her 19-year-old daughter, Marileigh Lewis, when they became involved in a traffic dispute with 23-year-old Jubal Simmons and 21-year-old Ivybella Encino. Authorities stated that the incident escalated when Simmons and Encino allegedly began verbally harassing Garner and Lewis. This led to a brief physical altercation between Lewis and Encino before both parties separated and returned to their vehicles.
As the situation continued, Simmons allegedly fired 11 shots, hitting both Garner and Lewis in the chest and also striking a nearby vehicle. Two other occupants in Garner’s vehicle were unharmed. Detectives confirmed that there was no prior connection between the victims and the suspects.
PCPD officers received reports of the shooting around 4:15 p.m. and quickly responded. A nearby officer pursued Encino’s fleeing vehicle. During the chase, Encino allegedly rammed a police patrol unit, disabling both vehicles. She was taken into custody at the scene. Meanwhile, Simmons attempted to escape on foot but was arrested a short distance away.
Encino faces multiple charges, including accessory to murder, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Simmons has been charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder, two counts of firing into an occupied vehicle, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, tampering with evidence, and resisting officers without violence.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found both Garner and Lewis suffering from gunshot wounds. Nearby witnesses attempted to administer first aid until EMS arrived. The victims were rushed to a local hospital, where Garner succumbed to her injuries. Lewis remains in the ICU on a ventilator and continues to fight for her life.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend, Sandra Pearson, to help with medical expenses, funeral costs, and legal support. The fundraiser describes Garner as a loving mother to her children, Lewis and her son Davin, emphasizing the devastating loss felt by her family and friends.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 850-785-8477.
