MIAMI (WSVN) - The man accused of opening fire inside a Liberty City gym is facing several charges, including second-degree murder.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Thursday near 49th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue.
According to the arrest report, 41-year-old Eddie Denmark became irate after his son was sparring against another kid who, he believed, to be bigger and older.
Denmark is accused of becoming vulgar and using foul language before another boxer tried to de-escalate the situation.
It appears as though the two men settled their differences, but not long after, another verbal confrontation occurred, followed by a scuffle with multiple people pushing each other.
At some point, Denmark pulled out a gun and shot boxing coach Mario Rodriguez five times in the legs and torso.
Rodriguez’s former business partner and fellow boxer, Mickey Demos, said Rodriguez was shot while trying to protect children.
“I had a sinking feeling because I know Mario, and I know if there’s any altercation, he’s gonna try to pacify it,” said Mickey Demos. “He’s a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, level-headed, God-fearing human being. He was shot five times.”
Rodriguez was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, where he is listed in stable but critical condition.
Denmark was kept inside a police cruiser for several hours as detectives questioned him before taking him to the police department.
“The kids are never the problem; it’s always the parents,” said Demos.
While Rodriguez fights to recover, Denmark remains behind bars.
“Children were boxing and, I guess, he’s a dad and got upset and pulled a gun out and shot the victim, so I believe there was probable cause for attempted second-degree murder,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer.
“Something escalated, it was calmed down and then somebody came back with a gun,” said Demos. “We love you Mario, and everybody’s hearts are sick, everybody’s heartbroken. We’re pulling for you.”
Rodriguez’s wife was seen at the gym on Friday, but declined to speak on camera. She did confirm her husband’s condition is improving in the hospital.
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