Florida woman, 20, shot dead and thrown onto side of highway in 'violent attack' in peaceful town

Police said a young woman found shot on the side of a Florida road was killed in a "targeted attack."

On Tuesday the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said 20-year-old Aniya Sheppard's body was found off the roadway in the area of Eber Boulevard and Buddy Drive in West Melbourne. Authorities were alerted to her body on Monday morning by someone at the gas pumps of a nearby convenience store. They told police that there appeared to be a body on the side of the road, police said in a news release.

Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. A first responder recorded on dispatch recordings described her injuries, graphically. ”She’s got massive head damage also,” he said. Authorities said the brutal shooting was not random. “Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that the victim was the intended target of this violent attack,” deputies wrote.

Sheppard's body was discovered near the Pine Lake Estates trailer park. Resident Bob Smith told News 6 reporter James Sparvero he believed he heard a gunshot around 6 in the morning. “I heard one shot,” Smith said. “It was distinct enough that I’m pretty sure it was a bullet shot.”

Smith said the community is normally very quiet. "It’s very nice here,” he said. “I worked in Miami for 30 years so I was used to bullet shots, but here you don’t expect it.”

Police have not identified a suspect in the shooting or a motive, but Sheppard's mother Katina said she was in an abusive relationship in a GoFundMe raising money for a memorial.

"Aniya was shot and murdered on November 4th. My daughter had a beautiful soul. She was humble and would give anyone her last dime to help them," her mother wrote. "She was troubled and in an abusive relationship. Please help me give my daughter a beautiful and loving homegoing that she truly deserves. Gone but never to be forgotten. We love you, Niya Poo!!!"

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to call Agent Kevin Morris of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to Crimeline are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.