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Woman shot on I-95 dies, officials continue search for shooter

Investigation shut down busy stretch of I-95 for hours

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The woman shot while driving in Northwest Miami-Dade County Friday night has died.

Authorities announced the death of Melissa Gonzalez, 22, on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Gonzalez was shot while driving southbound on I-95, near the 79th Street exit in the West Little River neighborhood of Northwest Miami-Dade County.

Gonzalez’s passenger, identified by FHP has 26-year-old Julian Cortina, heard the gunfire, looked over and saw she had been hurt.

They pulled onto the shoulder of the I-95 express lanes and called for help.

A massive traffic backup on I-95 finally eased up Saturday morning, after investigators reopened all lanes on the busy highway.

The southbound lanes of I-95 at Northwest 79th Street, which had been shut down overnight, were reopened at approximately 5:30 a.m.

FHP is trying to determine whether the victim was targeted or if she was hit by a stray bullet.

Authorities said Cortina advised the gunshots came from inside a dark colored vehicle.

The investigation continues.


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