No motive or suspect in shooting

When Britani Coberly and Tania Wise entered Lodi High School in the fall of 2002, they soon became close friends.

Through a couple of years at the school, and then at Liberty High School where they graduated in spring 2007, they remained close. Coberly told Wise of her dreams to have "lots of babies" and to one day work as a nurse and help deliver babies, Wise said.

Britani Coberly

Last week, they started making plans for Coberly's 21st birthday. That wouldn't be until May 4, but Coberly wanted to start saving money for a trip to Las Vegas in celebration.

That celebration won't happen, because Coberly was fatally shot after she arrived home Wednesday night.

"It's just crazy. I can't believe it was her that was killed. I don't know who would want to do that to her," Wise said.

Rather than making birthday plans, Wise on Friday was getting T-shirts printed with Coberly's picture on them. She went on social networking Web sites to let people know about a memorial fund, and a fundraiser being held Sunday at Havatan, where Coberly had worked for two years.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's detectives Coberly and her 23-year-old boyfriend were both shot shortly after arriving home around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday. They lived on the Highway 99 Frontage Road, just east of the highway and south of Peltier Road.

Her boyfriend was treated and released from a local hospital. Coberly was pronounced dead after arriving at Lodi Memorial Hospital that night.

Investigators have not released a motive.

As for Wise, she's heard plenty of rumors, but said she's not going to believe them unless detectives confirm them. For now, she's trying to get word out about the memorial in an attempt to help Coberly's parents pay for a funeral.

Wise has many memories of shopping with Coberly — her favorite brand was Bebe — and taking walks around Lodi Lake. There they would have "girl talk" sessions and confide in one another, Wise said.

"She loved just hanging out with us girls," Wises said. "With Britani, we just have so many memories."

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Fundraiser for the family

A bank account has been established to help Britani Coberly's family pay for burial expenses. Donations may be made at any Farmers and Merchants Bank branch, to the "Britani Coberly Memorial Fund" account.

Havatan is also accepting donations, which owner Angie Orlandella-Beagle said will all go to the memorial fund. On Sunday, the tanning salon will offer $5 services, rather than the normal price of $15 to $39, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Customers may pay any amount and all money will go to the fund.

The fundraiser will be held at Havatan's Lodi business, 100 N. Cherokee Lane, and the Stockton shop at 7145 Pacific Ave.

Reader Feedback

Acampo wrote on Nov 24, 2009 4:13 PM:

" Yep... It looks like she was a wonderful young lady.. when did I say she wasn't? Usually when things like this happen, it is either a robbery(nothing was taken), domestice, (nobody disliked her), or drug related.... either the killer was on drugs, looking for drugs... or both. "

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roni95242 wrote on Nov 24, 2009 9:46 AM:

" Acampo: Are you the detective? I don't think so..
Did you read the title of ths story ?? You might try reading the title again... it starts with...
NO Motive...
She was a wonderful young lady whom I presume you did not know.
My thougts and prayers go to her family. "

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Acampo wrote on Nov 23, 2009 5:46 PM:

" Tania, are you the detective? Do you live in that house? Then you don't know for sure what that person was doing in that house. I am not saying that the girl was doing drugs, all I am saying is that maybe the guy thought there was cash or drugs he could steal in the house.. did he take anything from the house? There is a reason the police have not released the motive... or anything else about the case... "

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tanialee209 wrote on Nov 23, 2009 1:45 PM:

" Drugs have nothing to do with this mess! Lets let the detectives do the work. We need to think positive right now and not negative for the Coberly family. We love you Brit! You were the best person in this world. Im going to miss our talks and the fun we had together.. Always in my heart.. I hope we find out who did this to you so justice can be served. "

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seeandhearall wrote on Nov 22, 2009 9:16 PM:

" My heart is broken after hearing about the loss of such a sweet girl I know alot of her friends and feel the same way as they do Brit will be missed this is a tragedy and should be everyones #1 priority to comfort her family and friends and bring the villian who committed this crime to the full extent of the law "

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luckyskoom05 wrote on Nov 22, 2009 6:51 PM:

" My heart goes to all the family and friends of Britani! Especially Evan I love you so much and she will never be forgotten. I just hope that whoever did this will step forward and take the blame cause this is unfair and extremely scary! I cant belive that this world let alone lodi and the surrounding communities has came to this shooting and killing innocent people. I know that this economy is horrible but come on we are all hurting!I just dont see why hurt someone so innocent beautifull and well loved! My heart goes out to the Cobeley Family and Evan! Your forever in my heart and prayers! "

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Acampo wrote on Nov 22, 2009 4:32 PM:

" It is suprising to me that there has not been a motive confirmed yet. Does that mean the shooter wasn't there to steal items from the home? It seams like drugs, or something else suspicious, was going on here. With all the drugs in Acampo now, it would not surprise me if drugs are at the bottom of this entire mess. "

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googoo237 wrote on Nov 21, 2009 9:22 AM:

" Brit, it still seems unreal to know that you are gone. My prayers go out for you and your family. You were such a beautiful person inside and out. I remember the first day i formally met you at work I knew that day in just a few short hours of talking and working together that you would most definately be someone i would come to love and i was right. From enjoying each others company at havatan, to playin softball for havatan, and even being able to hang out together outside of work, having our few movie nights that never turned out to be movie nights but rather del taco runs and life venting sessions! I will always remember our Christmas Party and New Years together. Your companionship was always pleasant. The good times we shared together in the little time I did know u now do not seem like enough, but those memories and you will forever stay in my heart. I pray that God will bring justice for you to the soul who so selfishly took your life from you, your family and everyones life that you have so positively touched, like mine. Much love, Grace "

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