Multiple People Shot

The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau is investigating an incident involving multiple people shot and two dead as a result of a vehicle crash.

According to investigators, a group of people were gathered outside a business, when several vehicles opened fire and fled the scene.  As a result, several people were shot and drove themselves to a local hospital.  A vehicle that fled the scene, crashed into a wall at a nearby college.  Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the crash and determined both occupants deceased.  One of the victims, later succumbed to her injuries at Jackson South Medical Center and the conditions on the remaining five is unknown.  Investigators  also discovered a firearm inside the crashed vehicle.  It is unclear at this time, as to the motive and/or details leading up to the shooting.

Detectives are seeking the assistance of the community with any information, to include the identity/whereabouts of the individuals responsible for this act.

The investigation continues.

Update: After diligently working on all possible leads and after almost two years of investigation, the subjects have been arrested, charged accordingly, and listed above. Willie Lee Thomas III was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia. Melchelzadek Jacory Matthews was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida. Both are awaiting extradition.  

"I am incredibly proud of my detectives for their hard work and dedication in capturing the individuals responsible for the senseless shooting at the Hookah Lounge during a graduation party. I understand how important it is for families to receive closure and justice when their loved ones have been victimized. I want to thank our local, state, and federal partners for their unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community. I will continue to utilize all my resources to create a safe and healthy society where gun violence is no longer a threat to individuals and members of the community."

– Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III

“After almost two years of dedicated collaboration between my team of  Assistant State Attorneys and the Miami-Dade Police Department Homicide Detectives, those responsible for the tragic deaths during what was supposed to be a night of celebration, are finally being brought to justice. The over a dozen warrants that my prosecutors generated and filed assisted the difficult work of our law enforcement partners gathering  the necessary information and leads that have resulted in these arrests and the filing of criminal charges. It is my hope that the families of the victims may now begin their journey of healing and find the justice they so deserve.”

– State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle

Update:#2 The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Homicide Bureau has been working this case with sheer determination since 2021. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, detectives have apprehended the last two subjects involved in this case and charged them accordingly, listed above. 

"Today, we close the book on a case that has weighed heavily on our community for far too long. After years of relentless determination, countless hours of investigation, and the unwavering support of those who refused to give up, justice has finally been served. While nothing can erase the pain of this tragedy or bring back the lives that were lost, I hope this resolution brings some measure of peace to the families and friends that were affected. This is another reminder that we never stop fighting for justice."

-Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz