The family of a Georgia man, who underwent several surgeries after a White man shot him multiple times in a road rage incident, said they believe the shooting was racially motivated. The incident reportedly happened on June 30.
According to WSB Radio, the White suspect, identified as 61-year-old Wade McEwan, opened fire on Jason Daxon at an intersection in Acworth. McEwan, who was arrested in the aftermath of the incident, faces a slew of charges including aggravated assault, reckless conduct, and reckless driving.
In an interview with the media outlet, Daxon’s family said they feel the shooting was more than just a road rage incident. “It’s just a senseless racist act of violence,” Daxon’s fiancée, Angeline Peterson, said.
Peterson said it was difficult for her to fathom how an incident on the road will angrily trigger someone to open fire on another motorist from the driver-side window.
“The man just shot through his own window into Jason’s car: he tried to kill him, he tried to kill him,” Peterson said. “It’s not like he was doing anything to antagonize this man, he was just simply trying to pass him on the road, and the man would not let him in.”
Authorities said at least 14 shots were fired into Daxon’s car. The Black victim was hit in the arm and back. Peterson also said the shooting happened just a few minutes away from their home.
A video of the shooting was shared on Facebook. And witnesses videoed the White suspect driving away after opening fire on Daxon. “It’s just hard, to see my loved one and to know that my child’s father, he has no idea what’s going on,” Peterson said, adding that the incident has negatively impacted their life.
Daxon is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, per WSB Radio. The 25-year-old was also planning on taking his career to the next level after a major label in Atlanta signed him. “He was supposed to have his photo shoots, his interviews, everything you can think of, and it just stopped instantly,” said Peterson.
Doctors said Daxon won’t be getting back on his feet anytime soon as that will take months. Daxon’s wife has since set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to support the family.
