ARLINGTON, Texas — Tragically, a 29-year-old expectant mother was fatally shot on Interstate 20. Her family remembers her as a courageous hero who used her last moments to shield young ones from gunfire.

Bre’Asia Johnson was fatally wounded as she traveled west on I-20 near Bowman Springs Road around 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, according to Arlington police. Her family shared that Johnson was five months into her pregnancy and was expecting her fourth child, a son.

Police reported that upon arriving at the 4900 block of Little Road, they discovered Johnson, who was unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was declared deceased.

A man, identified by family as Johnson’s boyfriend, also sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to a hospital for medical care. Authorities have yet to disclose details regarding his current condition.

Two children were in the car during the shooting and were taken to Medical City Arlington for evaluation as a precaution, police said. Johnson’s family members said the children in the car were her boyfriend’s children.

Family members said they were told Johnson was shielding the children from gunfire when she was struck and killed.

“That lets you know the type of person she was that she would put herself before anybody,”  said Martha Gutierrez, Johnson’s mother. “That goes back to she loved children.”

Gutierrez emphasized her daughter’s selfless final act, noting the children Johnson protected were not her own.

“I just want people to remember who she was as a person. The type of person she was,” said Gutierrez. “I don’t want her to be forgotten.”

After being shot, the man drove to a nearby gas station to call police, authorities said. A second vehicle traveling in the area was also hit by gunfire, but no one inside was injured.

Johnson leaves behind three children: Ma’Kai, 7; Meadow, 6; and Maverick, 2.

“She loved her children,” said Litonion Allen, Johnson’s stepfather. “She loved her family. We’re not just like any other family; our friends are our family.” 

Allen said the family’s focus is on Johnson’s children and their future.

“All we’re thinking about right now is the kids. The three kids. Their future. You know what I mean? Their counseling, their education… Just pray for those kids,” Allen said.

A GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral and memorial expenses. “Additionally, any remaining funds will go directly to providing support for Bre’Asia’s three children, as they face the unimaginable task of growing up without their mother,” the fundraising page stated.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No arrests have been made.

“We’re asking what anybody would ask if this were their child: justice. We just want to know who did it,” Gutierrez said.