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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Madeleine Wright

Madeleine Wright

Madeleine Wright is a general assignment reporter for Local 10 News. She joined the team in March 2017.

David Dwork

David Dwork

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.