Hunt is on for gunman in Chesco road rage slaying
WEST GOSHEN » The hunt for the driver of a faded red pickup truck wanted in connection with the road rage shooting death of an 18-year-old West Chester woman has gone national. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Crimestoppers organization has offered a $5,000 reward and police are pulling over red pickup trucks that even vaguely match the description.
Two dozen law enforcement authorities were methodically reviewing dozens of tips coming in from the public, officials said Friday afternoon.
Police initially believed they had a possible case of road rage about 5:30 Wednesday night when Bianca Nikol Roberson’s car careened into woods and hit a tree as she was driving southbound on the Route 100 Bypass near Route 202. But further investigation revealed she had actually been shot in the head.
The recent Rustin High School graduate’s father, Rodney Roberson, said the family was excited that his daughter was going away to Jacksonville University to study Psychology. She had set her sights on a FBI career.
“She was everything to me, everything, everything,” Roberson said. “I can’t imagine anybody wanting to hurt my daughter. She never hurt anyone. She made you laugh.”
West Goshen police and the Chester County District Attorney’s office are following up on tips and reviewing video from traffic, business and residential surveillance cameras of the roadway and the surrounding area.
They are seeking the driver of a red pickup truck possibly an older model Chevrolet. The truck was last seen exiting Route 202 southbound, at Paoli Pike. The driver who fired the single shot into Bianca Roberson’s car is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years of age, with blonde hair and of medium build. Police released a sketch of the suspect at a Friday afternoon press conference.
There are 13 traffic cameras on Route 202 between Boot Road and Route 1. Chester County staffers report that all were operational at the time the incident.
West Goshen Township Police Capt. Greg Stone said that police had received many tips, while still hoping to get the right one.
“We hope to pick this guy up or hope he turns himself in,” Stone said. “What can drive someone to get that enraged to pull a gun and take someone’s life?”
West Goshen police held a 4 p.m. press conference to update the status of the investigation.
District Attorney Tom Hogan said that the two drivers were headed southbound on the bypass at mile marker .1 and may have been attempting to merge into the same lane when the incident escalated.
Friday afternoon, Michael Noone, First Assistant District Attorney, said that the investigation was active and ongoing.
“This was a senseless act of violence and road rage that took the life of a young woman who had just graduated from high school and had her whole life in front of her,” Noone said.
Roberson’s aunt, Mari Hatton-Haynes, said that her niece enjoyed drawing and was a “happy-go-lucky person who enjoyed life.”
“The family wants the public to know that if they know this person, come forward,” she said. “Clear your conscience. If this happened to your child you would want the same. There’s not closure until then.”
Roberson’s case manager at Rustin, Katie Koepke, said she spoke with Roberson daily. She was asked what she would remember about Roberson.
“Her smile, her laugh, her sense of humor,” she said. “She wanted to do well. She was a hard-working student and goal-oriented.”
Jenna Crouch graduated June 6 with Roberson.
“She was kind of unforgettable,” Crouch said. “She was always loud, always outgoing. When she believed in something, she stood up for it.”
Crouch was visiting Rustin, her former high school, Friday, for grief counseling.
“I’m counseling in a group to help with the grieving,” she said. “I need to come back. I need to talk about this. This gives me a sense of community – grieving in a group.”
Recent grad and classmate Jenna Ford visited Rustin for counseling and misses the young woman she never spoke with.
“All last night I was thinking how she sat two seats behind me in History class and I never said Hi,” Ford said. “I wish I had. Now I know to say Hi to everyone.”
Roberson had worked at the White Horse Village retirement community in Newtown Square, Delaware County, for several years, alongside her mother, who is a nurse there. Mary Kay Burke, White Horse’s chief executive officer, said Roberson worked as a server in the dining room, where she came in regular contact with the residents and staff and was well liked by all.
“This has been a tragic event for White Horse Village,” Burke said Friday. “She was a valued employee, and a young woman with her whole life in front of her.” Burke, who knew Roberson, said she came across as a “typical high school student, excited about going to college. Both the residents and the staff are really reeling from this event.”
West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon said that counselors were available Thursday and Friday “to help kids process this tragic death of one of their friends.”
“She was a kid that had a good future to look forward to and that tragically ended,” Scanlon said.
For what was likely the victim’s final Facebook post, the emotions of a typical young woman were evident.
“it sucks how i can’t even be myself bc i get judged so much by the people that supposedly care ab me the most.. but ykw imma start being myself and not caring idc this is my life and if you don’t wanna be apart of it then.”
Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward. You may make and anonymous tip at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. Anyone with information may directly contact the West Goshen Police Department at 610-696-7400.