Georgeann Garner Obituary, Death; – Florida authorities have reported that a mother was fatally shot in a road rage incident over the weekend, while her daughter sustained critical injuries. The Panama City Police Department received a call regarding the shooting on Highway 231 and Harrison Avenue at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Emergency responders indicated that the victims, later identified as 48-year-old Georgeann Garner and her 19-year-old daughter Marileigh Lewis, were treated for their injuries at the scene. Bystanders also intervened to assist.
Unfortunately, Garner could not be revived and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Her daughter was also taken to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
An officer on patrol nearby reported hearing the gunfire and pursued a truck that was leaving the scene. The truck failed to stop for the officer and subsequently collided with a police vehicle before coming to a halt. The driver of the truck was identified as 21-year-old Ivybella Encino, while 23-year-old Jubal Simmons was a passenger who attempted to flee but was apprehended by the police.
Authorities stated that Encino and Simmons became agitated due to traffic that evening and began verbally assaulting the occupants of Garner’s vehicle. The situation escalated into a physical confrontation between Lewis and Encino before all parties returned to their vehicles.
However, the incident did not conclude there; investigators revealed that Encino maneuvered around the victims’ vehicle, and Simmons discharged approximately 11 rounds, striking both Garner and Lewis in the chest. Police classified the shooting as a road rage incident, noting that none of the individuals involved were previously acquainted.
Family members described Garner as a “beautiful soul” who was celebrating her 48th birthday that evening. Sandra Pearson expressed her grief through a GoFundMe, stating, “She was taken from us far too quickly and her life was ended by ruthless people with road rage whose hearts were full of hate. The world was robbed of her beauty on her birthday.”
The Panama City police have indicated that Encino is facing charges. Pearson said Garner’s daughter remains hospitalized and has been on a ventilator since the shooting. She has started fundraising efforts to assist the family in Garner’s memory who was a single mother of two children.
“Burial expenses are costly and the children have been living with zero life insurance to help offset these costs,” Pearson shared. “The family may also need help getting justice for Georgeann and Marileigh.”
