SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami-Dade Police detectives have stepped up their search to catch the people behind a decades-old crime.
Seventeen years after Luis Leon Jr. was gunned down in the Villages of Naranja apartments, located on Southwest 268th Street near 137th Ave, his family still doesn’t know who did it or why.
On Wednesday, Miami-Dade Police detectives went door to door, handing out flyers at the apartment complex where Leon was killed back in 2007, in the hope it can generate leads.
Investigators said Leon got into an argument with a group of people at the complex when at least one person opened fire, striking the 23-year-old in the back several times.
According to a witness, the subjects fled the scene on foot.
Tracy Brown, the victim’s mother, said she misses him and hopes the flyers can help.
“He was murdered over here, 17 years ago. I’m still looking for justice,” she said. “It’s just – I don’t know what to do, so I asked the detectives to put this together so I can plead to the community, please help me. You know, I just want to know.”
Brown relieved the pain on Wednesday.
“I feel jittery on the inside right now, you know. I can remember when it happened, I came and laid down her and laid on top of his blood,” she said.
Brown said her son is survived by his daughters who had to grow up with their father.
“My baby left four beautiful girls. Little, little girls,” she said.
Detectives believe the two to three subjects they are looking for may still be in the area, and they’re hopeful that they can solve the case.
“We think the subjects do reside, or are still very familiar with this area. We believe that there’s people that still reside here, even from 2007. So, we’re definitely hopeful we’ll just reach out and [get in] touch with one of those people to give us a call,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Jonathan Grossman.
Since the murder, Brown created an organization to help other families affected by gun violence. She hopes someone in the community steps up and helps her.
“Have a heart. It’s been 17 years. Just go ahead and say what happened, so we can get closure,” said Brown.
If you have any information on this homicide, 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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