Mom murdered on freeway was in custody battle with man who just pleaded guilty to a crime

STERLING HEIGHTS (WXYZ) - Jennifer Scavone, a waitress at the Bouzouki Lounge in Greektown, had just left work and was heading home on the freeway when someone opened fire on the 32-year-old mother of two from Sterling Heights.

Friend and Bouzouki manager Heather Raye says Scavone was in good spirits when she left work around 2:30 Saturday morning. Raye says Scavone got along with everyone and customers often called her an "angel" for her caring spirit.

Scavone was in a custody battle with ex-boyfriend Josef Zbercot of Roseville.

In 2012, Zbercot was charged with Assault and two counts of Gross Sexual Imposition involving a minor in Erie County, Ohio.

Scavone wanted to keep Zbercot away from their son pending the outcome of that case.

In court documents obtained by 7 Action News, Scavone wrote that she wanted "the court to please suspend and or terminate rights and parenting time until this investigation is over".

On Friday, Zbercot, who has been free on bond, pleaded guilty to one count of Gross Sexual Imposition. The other count and Assault charge were dropped and a sentencing date was set for next month.

Josef Zbercot was unable to be reached for comment.

Scavone worked Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning. Friends say when she left the Greektown lounge she was in good spirits and wished everyone a safe ride home.

On northbound I-75 near Mack, as Scavone was driving home, someone opened fire on her in her SUV. She was hit multiple times and was dead when an MDOT Courtesy Van driver spotted her vehicle, crashed against the concrete barrier.

Scavone leaves behind two sons and a man she was engaged to marry later this year.

So far, Michigan State Police say they have no one in custody and have not identified any suspects.

Anyone with any information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1(800)SPEAK-UP. You can remain anonymous.