OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating, after a man was shot and killed outside of his Opa-locka business.
Miami-Dade Police responded to a call of a shooting outside of a warehouse along Opa-locka Boulevard near 22nd Avenue, around 2 a.m., Wednesday.
Relatives of the victim have identified him as 47-year-old Joe Gonzalez – a father of seven.
According to the victim’s father, Jose Gonzalez, Joe owned a car stereo installation shop and was working overnight when he was attacked. “I can’t, I don’t have no words,” he said as he struggled for words after rushing to the scene of his son’s murder. “He’s a hard-working kid. He’s just trying to survive in this world … This goes on every day, you know.”
Family members said they got the call from Joe’s daughter, who was with him at the time of the shooting.
Miami-Dade Police said Joe was parked outside of his warehouse and sitting in his car along with his daughter and 1-year-old grandson. That’s when one by one, three men walked up to Joe’s car and had a discussion with him about property. A while later, two of those men returned and started shooting at the car.
Surveillance cameras captured the two subjects crossing Opa-locka Boulevard near Northwest 22nd Avenue.
Joe was pronounced dead on scene. His daughter, Gabrielle Gonzales and son were not harmed.
“We were just sitting there talking for an hour, 30 minutes to an hour,” said Gabrielle Gonzalez, the victim’s daughter. “I put him under the steering wheel, and I kinda covered him with my body. I mean, I blacked out, but the only thing I can do is fend for my son. That’s the only thing. Even if I got shot or, God forbid, anything happened to me, I saved my son.”
Shortly after 7 a.m., officials towed Joe’s car from the scene.
Joe’s father said his family just wants answers. “Come on man, you know him,” he said. “What’s the matter with you guys? Come on out and say something. Help us solve this crime.”
Joe’s daughter believes she knows the reason for her father’s murder. “Jealously,” she said. “He’s a well-known person. He’s very friendly. He does not like drama. He stay away from it, and they see him profiting business-wise: cars, music, everything.”
A perimeter was set up by detectives as they combed for clues. The scene has since been cleared, but police continue to search for the shooter or shooters.
“You took away not only a father – you took away away a son, a brother, an uncle, a hard-working man that loved his family and did everything for his family no matter what,” said Geeleen Gonzalez, the victim’s sister..
If you have any information on this crime, 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.