Road rage killing suspect surrenders to police Sunday morning
David Desper
WEST GOSHEN — The subject of a multi-state manhunt turned himself in early Sunday to face first degree murder charges in the case of a road rage shooting that took the life of a West Chester teenager, Thursday.
David Desper, 28, of Trainor, surrendered to authorities at 2 a.m. Sunday, according to Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan — who announced the arrest in a Sunday morning press conference.
Desper is charged in the killing of Bianca Roberson, 18, while Desper and Roberson appeared to have a dispute while attempting to merge on Rt. 100 near US-202 during the Thursday evening rush hour.
Roberson apparently died instantly from a gunshot wound to the head.
After Desper’s surrender, his red Chevy truck and the .40 caliber handgun thought to have been used in the killing were recovered, authorities said. Hogan said that Desper had a permit for the gun, which was legally purchased in 2015.
Desper faces charges of first and third degree murder among other charges and is being held without bail at Chester County Prison.
After the shooting, township police, Chester County Detectives and another law enforcement agencies began a manhunt for the shooter, working from eye witness accounts, sharing details through local media and social media, both of which township Police Chief Joseph Gleason credited for the swift conclusion of the case. He also credited the exceptional teamwork across law enforcement agencies in the region in bringing the case to a rapid conclusion.
Hogan noted that forensics also played a role — as the bullet removed from the victim proved to be a .40 from a Smith & Wesson automatic handgun. By cross referencing owners of red Chevy trucks and permit holders for such a weapon, authorities were able to rapidly narrow down the pool of suspects.
