Fatal Shooting on I-65 in Giles County Leaves One Dead, One Injured

Authorities investigate shooting that caused a vehicle crash on the interstate

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Giles County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Interstate 65 on Sunday night. The driver of a vehicle, 26-year-old Sfenson Simeus of Lake Worth, Florida, was fatally shot while traveling southbound. A passenger in the vehicle, 23-year-old Elda Simeus of Plainfield, Indiana, was also shot and is in stable condition after being transported for medical treatment.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence on American highways and the need for improved safety measures and law enforcement response. Interstate 65 is a major thoroughfare connecting the Southeast to the Midwest, and any disruption to traffic flow or public safety on this route can have far-reaching consequences.

The details

According to authorities, the crash occurred around 11:30 pm on Sunday after the driver, Sfenson Simeus, had been shot by another vehicle. Sfenson Simeus was pronounced dead at the scene, while his passenger, Elda Simeus, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The Giles County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating the shooting and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Sfenson Simeus

The 26-year-old driver from Lake Worth, Florida who was fatally shot while traveling southbound on I-65.

Elda Simeus

The 23-year-old passenger from Plainfield, Indiana who sustained a gunshot wound and is in stable condition.

Sheriff Joe Purvis

The Giles County Sheriff who stated that this was a "senseless and cowardly act of violence" and that the Sheriff's Office is committed to identifying and apprehending the responsible individual.

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What they’re saying

“This was a senseless and cowardly act of violence. The Sheriff's Office is fully committed to identifying and apprehending the individual responsible and ensuring justice for the Simeus family.”

— Sheriff Joe Purvis (waff.com)

What’s next

The Giles County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating the shooting and is urging anyone with information to contact them at 931-363-3505.

The takeaway

This tragic incident on Interstate 65 highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence on American highways and the need for improved safety measures and law enforcement response to protect travelers. The Giles County Sheriff's Department is committed to finding the person responsible and ensuring justice for the victims' family.