MIAMI (WSVN) - A death investigation is underway after a man’s body was found in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.
The body was found overnight Tuesday on a sidewalk along Northwest Eighth Avenue and Northwest First Street. City of Miami Police identified the man as 38-year-old Pedro Lazaro Blanco, who they said was murdered at the intersection.
“When we have to wake up in the morning and see a dead body in the corner — you know, we always wanna wake up in the morning and feel safe,” said resident Mario Mouta. “A lot of people don’t feel safe.”
Mouta added that after working in the neighborhood for 40 years, the murder does not surprise him. “It’s not rare to see something like this heading to work in the morning,” he said. “These things happen around this neighborhood.”
Police have yet to identify who may have murdered Blanco and how the death occurred.
Friends and family showed up at the scene to speak with detectives. One person was heard shouting, “Can I talk to you?”
Two vehicles were also towed from the scene. One man, Jose Peralta, saw his work van being towed and got angry at police. He told 7 News that police said they needed to check the vehicle for fingerprints due to the close proximity to the crime scene.
“He got the truck for investigation,” said Peralta.
Another neighbor, who goes by “Ventura,” lives near the crime scene. He said the problem is when people come to the neighborhood to start trouble.
The area was blocked off by police as they continued their investigation, but it has since reopened.
If you have any information on this investigation, 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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