SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Friends and loved ones of a Southwest Miami-Dade mother lost to gun violence, just feet away from her 3-year-old child, are gathering to remember her.
It’s been one month since 24-year-old LaShontae Jones was shot and killed outside her apartment, near Southwest 258th Street and U.S. 1, on May 3.
Miami-Dade Police are still trying to find her killer, and her family said they need the public’s help to find the person responsible.
“This is very painful,” said Darlene Dukes, Jones’ mother. “I wouldn’t wish this upon nobody. If you know anything, we need you to still use your voice to speak.”
Jones’ family gathered to plead for justice.
“It could take 10 years, but justice will be served,” Darneka Jones, her sister, said.
“My heart goes out to any parent, parents that has to endure this pain,” Dukes said. “I can’t let this be an unsolved murder. I can’t. I refuse to. My baby had a bright future. She was working for the government. My baby finished school. My baby went to college.”
A man with his face covered walked up and shot the young mother while she was with her young daughter. Her daughter was grazed by a bullet and injured by bullet fragments.
Dukes said her daughter was a loving and caring soul and that her family is not losing hope.
“Apple of her eye, she loved that little baby,” Dukes said. “Such a wonderful soul, a beautiful person, in and out. My grandbaby needs answers, too. She needs to know who is this coward who ran up to her and her mommy and did this to them.”
Dukes said her family was broken by the man who took her daughter’s life, and now they need the public’s help bringing him to justice.
“We’re not going to give up hope,” she said. “That’s not even an option. Please, do what’s right.”
The family said they plan to hold a rally on June 12 near where she was killed.
If you have any information on Jones’ death, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.