A family of Cuban descent was at the center of a tragedy in southwest Miami, in West Kendall, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, when a sheriff's deputy shot and killed an armed man following an emergency call about a domestic violence incident.
Although it has not been confirmed whether the assailant was also Cuban, neighbors reported that it was a family with roots in the island, as revealed by the network Univision.
The victim of the domestic assault had sought refuge at a relative's house in the Tuscany 3 Village neighborhood after leaving Georgia, the state where she lived with her husband.
According to statements made to NBC6, the man had followed her to South Florida, which led to a violent episode that ended with his death at the hands of the police.
The call to 911 and the arrival of the officers
The incident began around 6:24 p.m. when the woman managed to call 911 and report that she was being abused by her partner.
During the call, which remained open due to the ongoing physical altercation, the victim managed to report that the man was armed, according to Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
The operator, upon hearing what was happening on the line, sent several agents to the residence located at 13001 132 Terrace, in the southwest of the county.
Deadly Encounter: Images and Testimonies
The surveillance cameras of a neighboring home captured the moment when a sheriff's deputy confronted the man, who had exited a white truck with Georgia license plates parked in front of the house.
In the images, the agent can be seen shouting at the suspect to raise his hands and asking him if he had a weapon.
The man lifts his shirt, seemingly to show that he is armed, and it is at that moment that the officer shoots him.
The subject falls to the ground, and the officer repeats orders before firing again.
"The suspect drew a weapon against the officer, and the officer shot him. He was taken to a local hospital and later died," the sheriff added.
The Sheriff’s Office released images of the pistol and its holster recovered at the scene.
So far, the man's identity has not been revealed, although he is estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old.
Stories from the Neighbors: Panic and Confusion
Residents of the Tuscany 3 Village neighborhood reported hearing a loud argument followed by gunshots. Some described it as a terrifying experience.
"I think there were four, then a pause, and then about four more," said Ashley Arenares, a resident of the area.
"I heard voices, perhaps a lady and a gentleman discussing something about it, and in a couple of seconds, I heard five or six gunshots," said Ulas Issi, another neighbor.
Two teenagers also told 7News that they were watching a movie when they heard the gunfire.
One recounted, “We heard a lot of gunshots.” The other added, “About seven shots, and then [the officer] said, 'Drop the weapon,' and the guy dropped it, and the police kicked it away.”
Part of the audio from the altercation was captured by security cameras. In one recording, a man can be clearly heard shouting: "I don't care a damn about anything in this world."
A concerning pattern of domestic violence
Sheriff Cordero-Stutz emphasized the seriousness of these cases and their impact on both the victims and the officers. She stated that, unfortunately, this is yet another example of how domestic violence can escalate into deadly situations.
"Unfortunately, this is another instance of a 911 call that began with domestic violence. We have seen too many lately, whether in the news or in our community," he stated.
"I want to tell you that if you are in crisis due to a situation of domestic violence, call 911. Please, let us help you. That is our job, and we will gladly do it," he emphasized.
The sheriff also emphasized that there are additional resources available beyond the crisis moment, accessible through the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office website.
Ongoing research
As is protocol in shootings involving officers, the case has been handed over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). No officers were injured in the incident, and no charges have been filed so far.
The investigators have not yet disclosed the specific reasons behind the dispute that ignited the violence, which ended so tragically.
The incident occurred just a few hours before a Nicaraguan man killed his wife on Monday morning at the offices of Del Toro Insurance in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Domestic Violence Incident in Miami
What happened in the domestic violence incident in Miami involving a Cuban family?
The incident occurred in the southwest of Miami, where a sheriff's deputy shot and killed an armed man following an emergency call regarding domestic violence. The man had followed his partner from Georgia to Florida, which culminated in a violent confrontation that ended with his death at the hands of the police. The family involved has Cuban roots, although the nationality of the aggressor was not confirmed.
What was the reaction of the local community after the domestic violence incident in Miami?
The residents of the Tuscany 3 Village neighborhood experienced panic and confusion after hearing gunshots and a loud argument. Some residents described the experience as terrifying, while others reported hearing multiple shots fired. Additionally, security cameras captured part of the violent altercation.
What measures are the authorities in Miami-Dade taking in response to the increase in domestic violence cases?
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz emphasized the seriousness of these cases and their impact on the victims and the officers. She urged individuals in crisis to call 911 and utilize the additional resources available through the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office website. Furthermore, as part of the protocol, the case is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
How is the issue of domestic violence being addressed in Miami in the context of other recent incidents?
In recent months, Miami has been the scene of several incidents of domestic violence. Authorities have emphasized the importance of reporting and seeking help to prevent similar tragedies. Recent cases have included stabbings, shootings, and other violent acts that highlight the urgency of addressing this issue comprehensively.
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