PA Mom Of 6 Killed In Road Rage Shooting In NC: Police

PENNSYLVANIA — A Pennsylvania woman and mother of six was shot and killed during a road rage incident while driving to the beach in North Carolina this week, officials said.

Julie Eberly, 47, a resident of Manheim in Lancaster County, "was a beautiful, loving, generous, and giving person," writes family member Susan Eberly, in a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family.

The incident occurred on Thursday at around 11:40 a.m. as Eberly rode down I-95, near the town of Lumberton, with her husband. The pair were in town for vacation.

According to police, the investigation has revealed that the road rage encounter "unknowingly developed."

The Eberly's vehicle came close to the shooter's vehicle when lanes were merging, authorities said. Shortly thereafter, the shooter pulled alongside the passenger side of the Eberly's, rolled down his window, and fired several shots into the passenger door, according to the Robeson County Sheriff's Department.

One of the shots struck Julie Eberly, and her husband pulled over to the side of the road. The suspect sped off and exited the highway at Exit 22, crossing over a bridge that goes into the town of Lumberton, according to police.

Authorities expressed remorse for the victim's family.

"Now these kids have to live with the thought of their mother being murdered on in such a cowardly and senseless way," Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. "My heart goes out to this family and I ask that everyone reading this stop and pray for this entire family."

The GoFundMe has already raised nearly $5,000 from more than 100 donors.

The suspect was driving what may have been a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu or Impala, silver or gray in color, with tinted windows and chrome around the window frame.

If you have any information, contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or email sheriff@robesoncoso.org.