NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida family is pleading for help to find their son’s killer, Wednesday, on what would have been his 16th birthday.
Johnny Lubin was killed nearly a year ago, on the corner of Northwest 77th Street and 14th Avenue, in Northwest Miami-Dade, where an inscription of his nickname, “Johndo,” is now written in the sidewalk.
On Wednesday, Lubin’s mother came together with friends, teachers and police near the corner to search for answers. “I’ve been trying to stay positive, motivated, that one day someone will come forward,” said mother, Julie Examar. “Today’s his birthday, and he’s not here to celebrate his 16th birthday, and it just brings back memories.”
Examar would prefer not to be knocking on doors and handing out fliers that bear the face of her murdered son. “It’s been very hard that nobody’s coming forward,” she said.
Lubin, 15, was shot while walking home from Miami Northwestern High School in November of 2015.
“Nobody saw anything. Nobody heard anything. Nobody’s come forward,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Jennifer Capote.
Police and Examar hope that just one of the fliers will jog someone’s memory.
One memory Examar holds close to her is her son’s 15th birthday. “I asked him if he wanted to have a party. He was like, ‘No, I just want go to the movies,’ with his friends, so that’s what he was. He was just a happy, growing up teenager,” she said.
Lubin loved football and music, and after all the fliers were handed out, it was time to mark his 16th birthday. “I know, with any opportunity, he would’ve been great. He was great at what he did, at everything he did, and you have to be great as well,” Lubin’s teacher said.
His teacher then prayed on behalf of Lubin. “Father, we thank you for your love. I ask a special prayer for Johnny’s mother, his father, his brother and sister, that you continue to touch their hearts,” he said.
Then they released balloons and wished him a happy birthday.
If you have any information about this case that could help investigators, 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.
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