NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - The family of a 23-year-old man who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve is asking for help in finding the person responsible.
On Tuesday, the parents of Melvin Manzanares, Mario Manzanares and Marta Manzanares, spoke to 7News and said they do not have the words to describe how they feel.
“My little boy, they ripped him away from me. They ripped him away from me. They ripped away my kid,” said Marta Manzanares.
Manzanares’ father said he was a hard worker and loved his family. They don’t understand how someone could take a life.
“Melvin was a good boy in the school. Good boy at work, a good colleague, a good friend. A good boy in the church,” said Mario Manzanares
The parents said Manzanares went to the mall to buy gifts on Christmas Eve and hours later, they received a call that their son was dead.
“He will never come back. I can’t see him again anymore,” said the mother.
According to 7News sources, the 23-year-old was swarmed in the street by people on ATVs and dirt bikes.
Moments before he was shot, detectives said one of those ATVs hit Manzanares’ car and the two got into a verbal argument at the gas station. This led to Manzanares following the group while calling 911, but before he tried to flee, he was killed.
“We never think something like this would happen against a boy who is 23 years old just starting his life. What they did, I didn’t think was possible,” said the father.
The mother said she is devastated knowing that her son won’t be coming home.
“Please. The culprit: turn yourself in. If someone knows something tell the authorities. It’s the only thing I want at this moment, like a mom. I don’t want to watch another mom suffer like I suffer. It’s too hard,” said the mother.
Sources said the subjects fled the scene, and police issued a “be on the lookout” for them. No arrests have been made.
A Gofundme was created by the family to assit them with funeral expenses. If you’d like to donate, click here.
If you have any information on this shooting or the whereabouts of the subject or subjects involved, 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 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.