On a bright Saturday afternoon, 48-year-old Georgeann Garner gathered with friends and family to celebrate her birthday, a day meant for joy and togetherness. Among them was her 19-year-old daughter, Marleigh Lewis, joining in the festivities as the group attended the vibrant St. Andrews Mardi Gras parade in Panama City, Florida. Around 4:00 p.m., with the parade’s excitement still lingering, they set off in a burgundy SUV toward a local restaurant, eager to continue the celebration over dinner. But what began as a happy occasion took a devastating turn, unraveling into a tragedy that would leave one life lost, another hanging in the balance, and a community reeling from the violence that erupted at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Highway 231.
The chain of events started innocently enough—a traffic altercation, the kind that happens countless times on busy roads. Georgeann’s group crossed paths with 23-year-old Jubal Simmons and 21-year-old Ivybella Encino, who were traveling in a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck. Details of the initial encounter remain murky, but tensions evidently simmered as the two vehicles navigated the bustling streets. Panama City Police Captain Chris Nichol later explained that the situation escalated when someone from Garner’s SUV approached Encino’s truck. A brief physical exchange followed—an occupant struck Encino, though Nichol emphasized it was not a prolonged fight, just a fleeting moment of frustration that seemed to end as quickly as it began. No one could have predicted what came next.
A chilling video captured by a bystander revealed the horrifying escalation. As Encino maneuvered the Dodge pickup alongside Garner’s SUV at a traffic light, the situation exploded into chaos. The footage shows the truck pulling up beside the burgundy vehicle, and within moments, the sound of gunfire shattered the air—up to 11 shots ringing out in rapid succession. Simmons, seated in the passenger seat, is believed to have opened fire, unleashing a barrage that struck both Garner and Lewis in the chest. The truck sped off, leaving the SUV motionless as panic set in. Georgeann Garner was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Marleigh Lewis, gravely wounded, remains in critical condition, fighting for her life. Miraculously, two other passengers in the SUV emerged unscathed, though undoubtedly shaken by the sudden violence.
Police response was swift, aided by the fortunate presence of an officer stationed in a nearby parking lot. Hearing the gunshots and spotting the fleeing Dodge Ram, the officer sprang into action, initiating a pursuit as the truck barreled north on Highway 231. The chase wound through the city streets, ending in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn near the intersection of Highway 231 and Highway 77. There, Encino allegedly rammed a police vehicle, disabling both her truck and the patrol car. She was taken into custody at the scene. Simmons, meanwhile, attempted to flee on foot, but officers apprehended him a short distance away after a brief struggle.
Investigators have since pieced together a grim picture of the incident, describing it as a road rage encounter that spiraled out of control. Authorities believe Simmons and Encino grew agitated over traffic conditions, leading to a verbal confrontation with Garner’s group before the physical altercation set the stage for the fatal shooting. The victims and suspects had no prior connection—strangers brought together by chance in a moment of fury. Simmons now faces a litany of charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, firing into an occupied vehicle, and tampering with evidence. Encino, identified as the driver, has been charged with accessory to murder, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and fleeing and eluding police. Her bond is set at $800,500, while Simmons is being held without bond.
The aftermath has left a profound mark on those touched by the tragedy. Garner’s close friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her son, Davin, who now faces the daunting task of arranging his mother’s funeral while grappling with his sister’s medical expenses. The fundraiser speaks to a family blindsided by loss, seeking help amidst grief. In Panama City, the incident has sparked conversations about the dangers of road rage, a reminder of how quickly tempers can flare into irreversible consequences.
As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns a life cut short and prays for Marleigh’s recovery. What should have been a day of celebration ended in heartbreak, a stark illustration of the fragility of everyday moments. For those who knew Georgeann Garner, her birthday will forever be overshadowed by the events at that fateful intersection—a place where joy turned to sorrow in the blink of an eye.