Police credit community tips for arrest in road rage murder
WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- The man charged in a road rage murder in Chester County is being held without bail.
28-year-old David Desper of Trainer, Delaware County, turned himself in to police early Sunday. Investigators say he shot 18-year-old Bianca Roberson last week as they both tried to merge into the same lane on Route 100.
West Goshen Township Police are now thanking the public for their help in the arrest of the suspect.
Finding David Desper had become the top priority. West Goshen Township Police, Chester County officials were using every resource, including the help of the public.
A resource we're being told now was invaluable.
"What stood out in this case was the help of the community," said West Goshen Police Lt. Michael Carroll. "The use of social media in both directions, both in us getting the information out and receiving information. We received hundreds, if not thousands of tips."
Police say they're still looking for help, trying to figure out more about the alleged killer.
VIDEO: Red pickup truck recovered in road rage killing case
"Anybody with information as far as his habits, where he worked, anything like that," said Lt. Carroll.
The crime he's now accused of is described by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan as savage. Authorities believe Desper shot and killed 18 year old Bianca Roberson from his red pickup truck in a case of road rage.
"As Bianca was merging down from two lanes to one, there was a man in a red pickup truck also merging down and they jockeyed for position and he wasn't happy. So he pulled out a gun and shot Bianca in the head," Hogan said.
Roberson's brother, Dontae Alburg, spoke to us about the arrest.
"I thought that I would feel relief or you know excited and happy. I was happy but then started to feel down," said Alburg.
At this point not much is known about Desper.
Hogan says he worked as a well and pipe driller for local businesses.
VIDEO: D.A. Tom Hogan announces Desper's arrest
At Desper's Trainer home, the grass is over growing the mail box, some of the windows have been sealed by cinderblocks and cement, and window panes on one of the doors are shattered.
Police say the home is also where they found the gun that fired the bullet into Roberson - a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun.
Desper's pickup truck was found outside a home on Huntington Farm Drive in Glen Mills. So far, no word on the connection.
Action News spoke with Desper's attorney, Dan McGarrigle. He says Desper came to his office accompanied by family to turn himself in.
Investigators at the West Goshen Police Department say the pressure coming down from social media and public outcry likely pushed Desper to do so.
"When we went to houses to ask questions they knew why we were there. They were very willing to help," said Lt. Carroll.
Desper is due back in court July 13th.
VIDEO: Scene of the crash in West Goshen Twp.
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