Highway signs honor road rage victim
Signs placed on Route 100 Bypass, Old Pottstown Pike in honor of Bianca Roberson
‘Merge with mercy’ signs placed on Route 100 Bypass, Old Pottstown Pike in memory of Bianca Roberson.
WEST GOSHEN » While some motorists will speed by and never notice a pair of new signs, it is hoped that others will take notice and show mercy, while remembering the short life of teenager Bianca Roberson.
One of the signs is located on the Route 100 Bypass, about two miles from where the 19-year-old was shot and killed, on June 28, 2017, in a fit of road rage. The second sign is located on Old Pottstown Pike.
Police say Roberson and the driver who shot her played a game of cat-andmouse at 60 mph, during a lane merge, where the bypass goes from two lanes to one lane.
This will be the first Mother’s Day for Bianca’s mother, Michelle Roberson, without her daughter. Michelle’s only other child, Mykel, passed in October 2013.
The two signs are part of the Adopt a Highway Litter Control program. They both read, “In honor of Bianca Roberson Merge with Mercy.”
“When you come across a human being, regardless of age, creed, color, religion, lack of religion or sexual orientation, we should still offer mercy, grace, compassion and love,” Michelle Roberson said. “When you leave, it should be beautiful. And we should have gotten something good out of it.”
David Desper, of Delaware County, has been charged with Roberson’s murder. Video of a red pickup truck captured by surveillance cameras led to a massive nationwide search.
“He didn’t allow her the mercy,” Roberson said about the suspect. “He didn’t take the time to get to know her.
“Where were you going in such a rage?
“We have no mercy for each other. With gun violence, everybody is shooting each other.”
Roberson took four months away from work and 10 months after the shooting is still greatly affected by the loss of her daughter. She feels like she’s living a bad dream and can’t wake up.
“I don‘t know who I am,” she said. “I used to be full of life.
“Wow! This is really happening to me”
She also talked about the gut-wrenching pain, shock and how the “bubble-wrap is coming off.”
Roberson wants to find a glimmer of sunlight in the darkness.
“God must have a plan that is better than I can see,” she said.
To that end, Roberson is forming her own foundation. She hopes to honor the memories of Bianca and Mykel.
“I really want to give back.”
Roberson said the foundation would address grief, diversity, and health awareness.
“I’m doing something my daughter and son would be proud of — giving to others — that’s what puts a smile on my face.”
Desper’s trial was recently postponed, with a tentative trial date set for September.
Roberson will come face to face with the man accused of shooting her daughter.
“I had mentally prepared myself for this day, it was postponed and I’ll have to do it all over again.
“I’m trying to build up enough strength to deal with this trial.”