Texas Man Charged After Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend and Unborn Child Killed in Targeted Interstate 20 Shooting
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — A 29-year-old Texas man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he carried out a targeted shooting on a busy North Texas highway that killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her unborn child. The incident unfolded along Interstate 20 in Arlington earlier this month, according to the Arlington Police Department.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Malik Miner, 29, who has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of deadly conduct, and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the attack.
Deadly Shooting Unfolds on Interstate 20
Police say the shooting occurred in early November as Bre’Asia Johnson, 29, was traveling westbound on Interstate 20 toward Bowman Springs Road. Johnson was riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle driven by her current boyfriend when gunfire suddenly erupted.
After the shots were fired, the driver managed to pull off the highway and stop at a QuikTrip gas station on Little Road, where he called 911 for emergency assistance. Officers arriving at the scene found Johnson unresponsive inside the vehicle.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene just before 8 p.m., while her boyfriend was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.
Pregnant Victim and Unborn Child Killed
Detectives later confirmed that Johnson was pregnant at the time of the shooting and that her unborn child was also killed as a result of the attack. Police described the incident as particularly devastating due to the presence of children inside the vehicle during the shooting.
Two children were in the car when shots were fired. While they were not seriously injured, investigators said one child was struck by falling glass after a window shattered from the gunfire.
Police also reported that a second vehicle traveling on Interstate 20 was hit by bullets during the incident. That vehicle was not connected to Johnson or the suspect, and no injuries were reported among its occupants.
Evidence Found Along the Highway
During a search of the crime scene, officers recovered shell casings of two different calibers, indicating that multiple rounds were fired during the attack. The presence of the casings supported investigators’ belief that the shooting was deliberate rather than accidental.
As detectives pieced together the timeline, witness interviews and surveillance footage helped narrow in on a suspect. Authorities ultimately identified Malik Miner as the alleged shooter.
Police Say Shooting Was Targeted, Not Road Rage
According to investigators, the shooting was not the result of road rage. Instead, police say it was a planned and targeted attack connected to a personal dispute.
Detectives learned that Miner had previously been in a romantic relationship with Johnson and had been feuding with her current boyfriend. Police say this conflict played a key role in the deadly encounter.
“[D]etectives determined the shooting was targeted and not the result of road rage,” the Arlington Police Department stated. “They learned that Mr. Miner was previously in a romantic relationship with Ms. Johnson and had been feuding with her current boyfriend.”
Cell Phone Data Places Suspect at Scene
Investigators executed a search warrant at Miner’s residence and seized multiple items, including his cell phone. A review of the device allegedly revealed prior communications between Miner and Johnson’s boyfriend.
Police also analyzed cell phone location records belonging to Miner and Johnson. According to investigators, the data showed that Miner was at the crime scene when the shooting occurred.
Even more telling, detectives say Miner’s movements were nearly identical to Johnson’s in the minutes leading up to the shooting.
“The cell phone location records suggest that Mr. Miner followed the victims’ vehicle that night,” police said.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Miner was arrested on Thursday evening and taken into custody without incident. Police say he declined to speak with investigators following his arrest.
He remains jailed as the case moves forward through the Texas court system. Authorities have not yet announced a trial date, and prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues.
Community Shaken by Highway Violence
The targeted nature of the shooting has sent shockwaves through the Arlington community, particularly given that it occurred on a busy interstate with multiple vehicles nearby. Police emphasized that the attack placed numerous innocent drivers and children at risk.
Investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses as they work to build their case. Meanwhile, loved ones are left mourning the loss of Bre’Asia Johnson and her unborn child.
As this case proceeds, it stands as a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into public acts of deadly violence, endangering countless lives.
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