Bianca Roberson, an 18-year-old African American female from West Chester, Pennsylvania, tragically lost her life on June 28, 2017. She was a recent graduate of Bayard Rustin High School and had received a four-year merit scholarship to Jacksonville University in Florida, where she planned to study criminal justice with the goal of becoming an FBI forensic agent.
Bianca was on her way home from a shopping trip when the incident occurred.
Initially, Bianca's car crash was thought to be an accident. However, witness accounts and security footage revealed that she was the victim of an unnecessary act of road rage. Bianca's car was found in a ditch after hitting several trees off the road, and an autopsy revealed that she died from a gunshot wound to the head. A .40 caliber bullet was recovered from her skull.
The investigation led to the arrest of David Andrew Desper, a 28-year-old man from Trainer, Pennsylvania. Desper turned himself in to the authorities on July 2, 2017, and admitted to the shooting. He was found to own a .40 caliber firearm, which matched the bullet recovered from Bianca. Surveillance footage showed Desper's red pickup truck driving alongside Bianca's vehicle before speeding away after the shooting.
Desper was charged with third-degree murder and later pleaded guilty to the crime. He was sentenced to 20-40 years in prison, making him eligible for parole in 2038. During the sentencing, Bianca's family expressed their grief and anger, with her father asking Desper why he shot his daughter. Desper apologized and expressed regret for his actions.
The tragic death of Bianca Roberson brought attention to the issue of road rage and the devastating consequences it can have. Her family has since established a scholarship in her memory to honor her aspirations and kind-hearted nature.
