Gastonia, North Carolina – A tragic incident two years ago left the community grieving when 19-year-old Uriah McCree was fatally shot while driving on I-85. The shooting, which occurred during rush hour traffic on March 22, 2022, shocked many as McCree was struck in the face by a passenger in a white Dodge Charger, who fled the scene by taking an exit onto U.S. 74, leaving McCree to perish. Despite 911 calls immediately following the incident, the perpetrator was never apprehended.
Since the loss of her son, Christina Michaels, McCree’s mother, has been grappling with the pain and longing for justice. Michaels expressed her deep sorrow, revealing the daily struggle she faces as she navigates life without her beloved son. Determined to see someone held accountable for the senseless act, she is advocating for an increase in the reward offered for information leading to a breakthrough in the case, emphasizing that the current reward is inadequate.
Michaels vividly recalls her son’s premonition of danger, sharing how McCree expressed his fear of becoming a victim of violence and his plea for justice if something were to happen to him. This heartbreaking revelation underscores the pervasive atmosphere of violence in Gastonia at the time, where a rising number of young men were falling victim to fatal shootings.
As Michaels continues to fight for justice for her son, she has relocated out of state, feeling unsafe in the place she once called home. The emotional toll of McCree’s death reverberates throughout the family, with his siblings grappling with grief and trauma, affecting their daily lives and emotional well-being. Michaels’ unwavering determination to seek justice envisions a future where peace can be found amidst the storm of pain and loss.
Despite the profound impact of the tragedy, Michaels holds onto hope, believing that justice will eventually prevail. With a renewed perspective on life and a commitment to rebuilding her family’s future in a new environment, she remains steadfast in her conviction that justice will ultimately be served. The journey towards healing and closure continues for Michaels and her family as they strive to find solace amid the ongoing struggle for justice.