Woman Fatally Shoots Uber Driver, Joyrides in His Car to Family and Salon Before Arrest

A 20-year-old Washington state woman who fatally shot an Uber driver working two jobs has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Neiana Allen-Bailey reportedly carjacked and shot 52-year-old Amare W. Geda, and fled from the location in the victim’s light blue 2014 Toyota Prius two years ago. She then allegedly got her hair done, visited family, and smoked marijuana.

The Seattle Rideshare Drivers Association said that Geda drove a cab during the night and worked at the airport during the day.

Bailey was sentenced after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for killing Geda in 2023 while he was working an overnight Uber shift in downtown Seattle, according to court records reviewed by Law & Crime.

The victim’s 10-year-old son dedicated a song in memory of his deceased father, which was played during Allen-Bailey’s hearing.

“I wish I could have stopped my dad from going to work that night. Wherever you are, Dad, I hope you are safe,” the song’s lyrics said, reported ABC affiliate KOMO.

On August 8, 2023, around 3:30a.m., Bailey walked toward the victim near 1st Avenue South. She was not a rideshare customer based on evidence collected by Seattle Police Department (SPD) Homicide detectives.

She then shot Geda before pulling his body out of the car and dumping him in the street. “I know my apologies and remorse won’t make it better,” she said during her sentencing hearing on March 27, as per KOMO.

“It’s unthinkable, unbearable, unbelievable has happened. Life will never be the same. The pain will never go away, I understand this … I have constant dreams of what I can remember from that night. I’m sorry for my part in this traumatizing situation,” she continued.

According to authorities, Bailey admitted to driving around the Seattle area for two days, during which she visited her family in Skyway, and smoked marijuana in Rainier Beach, and got her hair done in Kent.

She allegedly even filled up gas for $20 at a car wash in Renton before her arrest. She was taken into custody during a police stakeout in Denny Park in August of 2023.

“Today, there is only one life sentence and that is for Mr. Geda,” prosecutor Thomas O’Ban told the court during the hearing.

The prosecutor’s request for a longer prison term was reportedly denied.

Family members described Geda as a “hardworking family man who worked tirelessly day and night to care for his wife and two children.”

“His love and dedication were unwavering. In an unthinkable act of violence, Amare fell victim to a senseless crime. His family is shattered, their hearts broken. He was just trying to provide for them,” a statement on the family’s GoFundMe campaign said.