WSVN — It’s the only murder not solved in Hialeah in 2015. A man was gunned down while opening his restaurant. Police want to catch his killers before the year ends. Patrick Fraser has details in tonight’s Out for Justice.
You open a business to make money, of course, but for Petra and Andres Lezcano, their restaurant was also a place to see their friends every day.
Isidro Lezcano: "It was a social thing for them, I believe. My mother and him had a lot of friends."
And so, early each morning, 78-year-old Andres came in to get ready for the day at La Fortuna in Hialeah. Then this summer, at around 6 in the morning, these people showed up.
Hialeah Police Detective Joseph Elosegui: "Two black males actually walked up to the service counter because the business was closed. In a robbery attempt, ended up shooting our victim."
The two suspects just looked through the window, and in a cowardly move started firing.
Detective Elosegui: "They shoot from outside, never making it inside the business, so the shots were from the outside to inside the business where he was struck."
Take a look at the two killers captured by surveillance video.
Detective Elosegui: "This was a cold-blooded act, where [they showed] disregard for a human life."
The two males never got inside the restaurant, just shooting through a window to kill a 78-year-old man who loved to be at his restaurant.
Belkys Lezcano, victim’s daughter: "When he was shot, he went to the kitchen and he told the cook to call 911. The cook helped him to go to that table and he died there, sitting at the table."
The murderers ran away, but more surveillance shows them being picked up by this black four-door sedan.
Detective Elosegui: "We have a dark vehicle; it’s a Pontiac G6 type vehicle that we see on the CCTV."
Employees getting ready for the day saw the suspects shoot Andres and described them to a police artist.
This is the first time police have released the images. Both in their late teens or early 20s, medium height. One was thin with cornrows and one with a medium build.
Hialeah Police Sgt. Freddy Batista: "We’re hoping just by their mannerisms, the way that they walk and talk, maybe somebody can recognize them. Hopefully that’s the best shot we have."
Good video, good descriptions from employees at La Fortuna on that day, but so far Hialeah Police have not been able to identify the suspects. It’s the only murder in Hialeah not solved this year, and detectives want that to change.
Sgt. Batista: "We’ve exhausted most of our means of trying to identify somebody, so we’re hoping that the public will step in and do what we think is right."
In the meantime, La Fortuna remains open. Andres came from Cuba for a better life for his family. This restaurant was a dream, and Petra and Belkys believe he is still here with them.
Belkys Lezcano: "I feel his presence here. This place meant so much to him that I feel good when I come here."
The family will feel even better when these killers are caught.
Isidro Lezcano: "If anybody knows anything on these people — it’s such a horrendous crime — to please come forward."
If you know one of these guys, give Hialeah Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers a call. There is a reward waiting for you. With this Out for Justice, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
CONTACT OUT FOR JUSTICE:
Miami-Dade: 305-598-HELP (4357)
Broward: 954-796-HELP (4357)