NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating a case where a verbal argument spiraled into gun violence in Northwest Miami-Dade’s Brownsville neighborhood, Thursday evening, sending three teens to the hospital.
Miami-Dade Police said there was an argument at the corner of Northwest 24th Avenue and 50th Street, in the Brownsville neighborhood, at around 6:15 p.m. Two people left, police said, then came back to the corner armed with a gun and opened fire.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Marjorie Eloi said the men who fled the scene are in their late teens or early 20s. “Shortly after the altercation, the two subjects fled the area and later returned.”
According to investigators, 14-year-old Jason Gardner sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and 15-year-old Lawrencia Barrett was shot in the lower abdomen. Alexander Stalling, 18, was shot in the right hand.
Paramedics transported the victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition.
Three teens lucky to be alive tonight following another senseless shooting in our community. #incensed at the lack of respect for human life
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) March 10, 2017
Barrett is a 10th-grader at Miami Edison High School, where her classmates said they were taken aback by the news. “It’s, like, so crazy,” said classmate Salisstin Hall. “People are over here killing each other over dumb stuff.”
“Nowadays you see, like, young people get shot,” said another unnamed classmate. “Now, seeing one of my classmates get shot, it’s, like, a nightmare for me.”
Barrett’s mother, Frances Robinson, said her daughter underwent surgery Thursday night. “They say, hopefully she’s gonna be good,” she said. “She’s talking, she’s OK.”
Robinson said her daughter has no idea who was behind the shooting. “I keep asking if she knows who did it. She said she doesn’t know,” she said. “When she heard the shots, she just took off running, trying to get her little nieces out of the way ’cause they were out there.”
Police detained one person during the investigation, Thursday, but that individual was later released. Police continue to search for the two suspects involved.
“All I’m asking is for the parents, please, if you all know that your kids are out here doing things like this, getting into trouble like this, please stop them,” said Robinson. “Say something and be a parent to your kids. Know what they’re doing, know what they’re bringing home, because today it’s me, but tomorrow it may be you. You never know.”
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 $1,000 reward.
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