Rebecca Sama Karns, a 31-year-old woman from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, tragically lost her life on October 12, 2018. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning as she was driving her white Chevrolet Equinox westbound on Broward Boulevard. According to reports, Rebecca was struck by a bullet around 2:45 a.m., causing her vehicle to veer off the road and collide with a parked car near Northwest 31st Avenue.
Despite being rushed to Broward Health Medical Center by Lauderhill Fire Rescue, she succumbed to her injuries the following day.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence but rather a targeted attack. Earlier that night, Rebecca and her friend, who was also in the vehicle but unharmed, had been involved in an altercation in Fort Lauderdale's Himmarshee District. The altercation escalated when Damion Powell, a 29-year-old man from Coral Springs, followed Rebecca and her friend after the fight. In a retaliatory act, Powell fired into the SUV, fatally wounding Rebecca.
Authorities quickly identified Powell as the prime suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was issued, and he was apprehended by a U.S. Marshals Service task force on October 26, 2018. Powell was charged with first-degree murder and held without bond at the Broward County Jail. During his bond court hearing, Powell did not make any statements, and his lawyers declined to comment on the case.
Rebecca's death left a profound impact on her family, especially her two young sons, aged 4 and 8, who were left without their mother. Rebecca, who worked as a hair stylist in Orlando, was remembered by her family as a devoted mother whose children were her everything. The family expressed relief that someone was in custody for the crime, but acknowledged that it would not bring Rebecca back.
The case against Damion Powell proceeded through the legal system, with the charge of premeditated murder highlighting the severity of the crime. The tragic events of that night underscored the devastating consequences of violence and the enduring pain it inflicted on Rebecca's loved ones.
