A violent road rage incident on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Catawba County, North Carolina, left 40-year-old Jeffery Michael Guida dead, and his three children traumatized. Guida was shot multiple times by Terrell Eugene Giddens, 75, following a dispute at the intersection of Island Point Road and North View Harbour Drive. Guida’s three children, ages 13, 11, and 2, were inside his vehicle during the shooting but were unharmed. Giddens was arrested at his residence and charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, what began as a routine drive for Jeffery Michael Guida and his three children ended in an unimaginable tragedy in Catawba County, North Carolina. At approximately 4:53 p.m., deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting at the intersection of Island Point Road and North View Harbour Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered Guida, 40, lying unresponsive on the scene, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. The shocking details that emerged from eyewitness reports reveal the terrifying reality of a road rage incident that escalated into a deadly confrontation.
According to accounts from those who were present at the scene, the incident unfolded quickly and with fatal consequences. Guida had been driving with his three children—aged 13, 11, and 2—when a disagreement with another motorist, identified as 75-year-old Terrell Eugene Giddens, led both men to stop and exit their vehicles. The exact cause of the confrontation remains under investigation, but the encounter quickly escalated. Without warning, Giddens allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Guida multiple times at close range. The children, who remained inside the car during the altercation, watched in horror as their father was gunned down. Fortunately, they were physically unharmed, though the emotional toll of witnessing such a violent act is immeasurable.
As chaos ensued at the scene, Giddens reportedly fired several more shots into Guida’s vehicle, where his children were sitting, before fleeing the scene. Eyewitnesses immediately called 911 and provided law enforcement with detailed descriptions of Giddens, his vehicle, and the events that transpired. Their quick response enabled deputies to locate Giddens at his residence in the 9000 block of Island Point Road shortly after the shooting. Giddens was arrested without incident and taken into custody. He now faces charges of one count of first-degree murder for Guida’s death and three counts of attempted first-degree murder for endangering the lives of Guida’s children. Giddens is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for his first court appearance on Monday, October 14, 2024.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the community of Catawba County is left grappling with the senseless loss of a father and the trauma inflicted upon his young children. Guida’s death marks yet another tragic example of the deadly consequences of road rage. In recent years, road rage incidents have become increasingly common across the United States, often resulting in serious injury or death. Experts point to the growing stress and frustration among drivers, exacerbated by traffic congestion, personal pressures, and, in some cases, a lack of impulse control. While the precise cause of the argument between Guida and Giddens has yet to be determined, it is clear that a seemingly minor conflict turned fatal in a matter of moments.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly in the quiet residential neighborhood where the incident occurred. Island Point Road and North View Harbour Drive are located in a suburban area that is typically peaceful, making the violent nature of this crime all the more jarring for residents. Several neighbors have expressed their disbelief that such a tragic event could happen in their area. One resident, who asked not to be identified, told local reporters, “I’ve lived here for over 15 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s heartbreaking to think that this man’s children had to witness something so terrible. My heart goes out to them.”
The investigation into the road rage shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the full sequence of events that led to Guida’s death. Law enforcement officials have yet to release information about what might have triggered the confrontation between Guida and Giddens. Detectives are reviewing security camera footage from nearby homes and businesses, and they are also conducting interviews with witnesses who may have seen the events leading up to the shooting. Police have also appealed to the public for any additional information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the investigation progresses, the focus has shifted to the impact of the tragedy on Guida’s family, particularly his three children. Trauma counselors have been made available to the family to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of the shooting. Local authorities and community leaders have expressed their support for the family, with many residents reaching out to offer assistance. A family friend has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the children’s future needs and to cover funeral expenses for Guida. The campaign quickly gained traction, with donations pouring in from both local residents and individuals from across the country who were touched by the family’s story.
Jeffery Guida’s death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Friends and family have described him as a devoted father who lived for his children and worked hard to provide them with a good life. “Jeff was an incredible dad. He always put his kids first and made sure they knew they were loved,” said one family member. “This is a loss that no one should have to endure, and especially not these kids. They’ve been through something no child should ever have to experience.”
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed call for action to prevent future incidents of road rage from escalating into violence. Advocates for safer roads are urging drivers to remain calm in stressful situations and to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. Law enforcement agencies across the country have also emphasized the importance of reporting dangerous behavior on the roads rather than attempting to handle conflicts on one’s own. “No matter how frustrating a situation on the road might be, it’s never worth risking your life or someone else’s,” said a spokesperson for the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. “We urge everyone to stay calm, avoid confrontations, and call 911 if they feel threatened or in danger.”
As Catawba County comes to terms with this devastating loss, the hope is that justice will be served for Jeffery Michael Guida and that his children will receive the support they need to heal from this tragic experience.
