14-Year-Old Charged in Double Shooting Incident in Miami
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the Miami community, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder following a double shooting that left one man dead and another critically injured earlier this month. The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of October 11 in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, specifically in the 100 block of Northeast 77th Street.
According to the Miami Police Department, the shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. Witnesses described a chaotic scene initiated by a stranger approaching a group of individuals, including the victims. Marlon Fernando Castro Martinez, one of the witnesses, recounted the disturbing encounter to NBC6, explaining that the man asked for a drink. “He made a sign like he wanted a drink, like beer, but we weren’t drinking beer; we were just talking,” he said in Spanish. When they refused to comply, the situation escalated rapidly.
Castro Martinez noted that the man became aggressive, chasing him and his companions around the building while brandishing a firearm. “When we told him no, he goes crazy and starts chasing us all around the building, going crazy with the gun in his hand,” he added. As chaos ensued, Castro Martinez witnessed the shooter fatally injuring his relative, 35-year-old Robin Fernandez. “He fired six shots at him right here. He died instantly, with all the shots the suspect fired at his head,” he recounted, his voice tinged with sorrow.
The violence did not stop there. When Fernandez's brother-in-law attempted to flee the scene, he too was shot multiple times. Police confirmed that Fernandez died at the scene, while the other victim was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about youth violence and gun accessibility.
In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators utilized video surveillance footage to piece together the events leading to the crime. The footage reportedly showed the teen leaving his home, traveling to the shooting site, and then returning home shortly after the incident. This critical evidence, combined with information linking him to a separate strong-arm robbery case, ultimately led to his arrest. A robbery detective apprehended the suspect on Tuesday, bringing a sense of urgency to the investigation as the community sought answers and justice for the victims.
The loss of Robin Fernandez has left a profound impact on his family and friends. They have started a GoFundMe campaign to assist in repatriating his body to El Salvador, his native country. The fundraiser highlights Fernandez’s role as a devoted father to three children and a hardworking individual in the construction industry. His family described him as a loving person, emphasizing their grief: “We loved him a lot. He was a good person… and we will miss him,” stated Castro Martinez.
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about youth involvement in violent crimes, particularly in urban areas where access to firearms can escalate disputes into life-threatening situations. Community leaders and activists are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of such violence, advocating for programs aimed at engaging young people and providing them with alternatives to crime.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the Miami community mourns the loss of a beloved family member while grappling with the realities of gun violence and its impact on families. The outcome of this case may serve as a pivotal moment for conversations around youth accountability and the pressing need for community interventions to prevent further tragedies.
In conclusion, the double shooting in Miami serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for societal change. As families like that of Robin Fernandez navigate their grief, the broader community must confront the issues of violence and seek comprehensive solutions to ensure a safer future for all residents.
