‘Merge with Mercy’ memorializes Bianca
WEST CHESTER >> Signs reminding drivers to “Merge with Mercy” and a memorial garden were erected this weekend at the PA Route 100 spur approaching U.S. Route 202, where Bayard Rustin High School graduate Bianca Roberson was shot and killed by an enraged motorist last year.
Roberson, who would have celebrated her 20th birthday Wednesday, aspired to be an FBI agent but was killed three weeks following her high school graduation.
David Desper, 36, of Trainer, pleaded guilty to the crime in September. His plea carries with it a maximum possible sentence of 20 to 40 years in state prison; he has not yet been officially sentenced.
The Bianca Roberson “Merge with Mercy” project began with the vision from Bianca’s mother, Michelle Roberson, who wanted to turn tragedy to beauty by planting a tree and garden in memory of Bianca under Pennsylvania’s beautification area program. The sign she designed further reminds people to “merge with mercy.”
The project became a joint effort of the state Transportation Department, local volunteers and donor businesses, Roberson’s friends and family, and state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, who also recently introduced state legislation to outlaw driving with a loaded gun.
“The garden and signs remind us to treat one another with respect and mercy and to resist anger on the road,” said Comitta, D-156 of West Chester. “This beautiful display will remind us to thoughtfully share the road.
“As a lawmaker, it’s my duty to propose legislation that will help deter preventable tragedy. The mere presence of a loaded gun in a vehicle was a huge factor in this tragedy. Pennsylvania should join other states who prohibit motorists from carrying a loaded gun in a moving vehicle. It’s a matter of personal and public safety for us all.”
Materials for the garden were donated by West Chester Agway owner Cory Mattia, with design by Agway’s Cathy Helmuth and Knox Equipment Rental owner Bill Knox Jr., in West Chester. Labor was donated by Green Landscaping of West Chester, including owner Jesse Lockard and employees Matthew Jeremy Williams, Chris Hagerty, Ian DeMenna and Kevin Gitau.
“Thank you to everyone who came together for Bianca and her family,” Comitta said. “This project is a beautiful reminder of the caring family, friends and businesses that make up our community.”
Comitta is running for re-election against Republican candidate Nick Deminski.
The Bianca Roberson “Merge with Mercy” project began with the vision from Bianca’s mother, Michelle Roberson, who wanted to turn tragedy to beauty by planting a tree and garden in memory of Bianca under Pennsylvania’s beautification area program. The sign she designed further reminds people to “merge with mercy.”