ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) – Robeson County deputies have arrested a man they say is responsible for the shooting death of woman on I-95 as a result of road rage.
On Thursday around 12:38 a.m., deputies arrested Dejywan Floyd, 29, of Lumberton. He was charged with first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property.
Julie Eberly’s life was senselessly taken away when she was traveling with her husband, Ryan Eberly, just outside of Lumberton on March 25.
Floyd shot into the Eberly’s car after their car came too close to his while trying to merge into a lane, according to the sheriff’s office. Julie Eberly was severely injured and later died from her wounds at the hospital. Ryan Eberly was not injured.
The Elberlys were on their way to Hilton Head to celebrate their seventh anniversary, according to a statement released by their family.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said he was pleased to bring the search to a conclusion today particularly because Julie Eberly’s funeral is today. “Our detectives were able to notify the family at about 6 o’clock this morning that the arrest had been made and they were beyond pleased, even though they are going through this today,” he said.
“The arrest of Floyd is the direct result of law enforcement agencies and the community working together,” Wilkins said. “The surveillance footage provided to investigators by dozens of cooperating businesses and residents were critical elements in the tracking of Floyd’s path in Cumberland County prior to the shooting and throughout Lumberton and beyond after the shooting. Regardless of the circumstances, no one deserved to be murdered while traveling our nation’s highways. I am proud of the investigative work put forth by the law enforcement agencies that came together as one to bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
Floyd was processed and placed in the custody of the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. He was advised of his rights and a judge made him aware of the charges against him. Floyd waived his rights to a court-appointed attorney, according to the assistant district attorney. His next court date is April 15 for probable cause.
A gofundme page has been created to establish the Julie Michelle Eberly Memorial Foundation, at the urging of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office because of the hundreds of emails from residents wanting to know how to help. The money will be used to make donations to charities in Julie’s honor.
A celebration of life is planned for Friday, April 9, in Pennsylvania for Julie.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or email sheriff@robesoncoso.org
