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James Alexander Hilton, 40, of Southampton, NJ, was shot and killed at an I-78 truck stop in Upper Bern Township, early Friday morning, March 22, according to Pennsylvania State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hilton was helping another driver park their vehicle at Love's Travel Stop around 2:45 a.m., when he and another truck driver got into the argument that led to the shooting, troopers said. Hilton was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as Travis Jerell Pugh, of Jacksonville, FL, fled the scene in his truck but was pulled over near Exit 40 and arrested at 3:30 a.m., according to state police.
Pugh fled but was found by troopers on I-78 west in Lehigh County. He was arrested and charged with first- and third-degree murder, along with weapons and assault offenses, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct and more.
A GoFundMe was launched to support Hilton's wife, Poonyawee "Polly" Hilton, and their 1-year-old son, JJ.
"James and Poonyawee's love for each other brought them from across the world, from Thailand and the US leading to their marriage in 2021," the campaign says. "In 2023 they welcomed their first child, baby JJ.
"James worked tirelessly for his family as the sole supporter. As a result of this horrific act, Poonyawee and JJ are not only grieving, but are in need of support from her friends and community going forward without James."
As of press time, the campaign had raised more than $14,000.
Click here to donate to Hilton's family.
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