NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A suspect has been taken into custody allegedly in connection to the mass shooting that took place outside of a banquet hall in Northwest Miami-Dade.
The shooting took place at the El Mula Banquet Hall on May 30.
Police arrested 22-year-old Devonta Barnes overnight Friday and appeared before a judge the following morning.
Three people died and 20 others were injured in the shooting.
The father of one of the victims is both outraged and devastated.
“You don’t spray innocent people. You killed my son,” said Clayton Dillard Sr. “You took my heart. You broke my home.”
Barnes faces three counts of first-degree murder and 20 counts of attempted murder.
“Sir, you were arrested for three counts of first-degree murder and 20 counts of attempted first-degree murder,” said Judge Mindy Glazer.
“Because of the nature of the charges, he is facing the death penalty,” an attorney said.
At a minimum, the state said he faces life in prison.
Police believe Barnes was the lookout as others ambushed patrons standing outside the banquet hall.
Police said Barnes admitted to his role in the mass shooting.
He told authorities he met a group of people who told him who they wanted dead.
He confessed that he then drove to the banquet hall in his mother’s car to serve as a lookout and reported to the group that the target was present at the venue.
Soon after, four people from two different vehicles opened fire on the crowd outside the hall.
The horrific moments of the shooting were caught on surveillance video.
Desmond Owens and Clayton Dillard, both 26, died the night of the shooting. Shaniqua L. Peterson, 32, was hospitalized but succumbed to her injuries four days after the shooting.
Barnes is being held without bond.
He will be back in court in 21 days.
Police continue to search for at least two other people involved.
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 reward of up to $5,000.
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