MIAMI (WSVN) - A family has been left devastated the day before Thanksgiving after a 16-year-old boy was shot multiple times and killed in Miami.
In tears and shock, Lissette Lantigua is now only left with the memory of her 16-year-old son Damien Ramirez. “Everybody loved him out here. He will be missed ’cause they took part of my heart away,” said the heartbroken mother.
Ramirez died Wednesday after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds on the corner of Northwest 17th Avenue and 31st Street, Tuesday evening. At around 8:30 p.m., Ramirez and a friend were out getting food from a fast food restaurant.
“Two friends walking alongside the street,” said Miami Police Officer Kenia Fallat, “when they were confronted by two young males. Both of them grabbed a gun and started shooting.”
Bullets holes marked nearby walls and windows. However, they also struck Ramirez as well as a nearby homeless man in his 50s.
The man was hit in his arm and is expected to be OK. Ramirez was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“It’s so sad this happened to such a young life,” said family friend Elsie Figueroa.
On Wednesday, police found a gun a few blocks away from the scene. Investigators are working to see if there is a connection.
Business owners are also cleaning up the aftermath. “At night I need to close now at 6 o’clock or 5:30 because it’s a big problem,” said shop owner Oseles Ramiro.
“If anybody knows something, please come forward,” Lantigua said on the verge of tears. “They took my son’s life. It wasn’t an animal. He was a 16-year-old boy. He meant no harm to no one. He didn’t deserve to die this way.”
Police are working to determine a motive for the shooting.
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.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.