SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - It has been more than a month since a TSA agent was gunned down just steps from her Southwest Miami-Dade home. Her family is making a painful plea for answers.
“She didn’t deserve this,” said Darlene Dukes, mother of the victim, Leshonte Jones. “Please, y’all, say something if you know anything.”
Fighting through the tears, Dukes continues her mission to find her daughter’s killer.
“What man in his right mind would chase a woman with her baby to murder her?” she said.
On May 3, 24-year-old Jones was shot just steps from her home near Southwest 258th Street and U.S. 1.
“Just coming home from work, somebody sitting, waiting on her, to take her life from her,” said Dukes.
Police have since released a surveillance still of the man who walked up and opened fire on the young mother.
Jones was with her 3-year-old daughter, Aalaiyah, when it happened.
The toddler was grazed by a bullet.
“Her daughter witnessed this heinous crime,” said Miami-Dade Police Lt. Vernon Williams.
“I’m going to do my best to make sure she’s well taken care of and she’s happy on every level,” said Dukes.
Detectives said they have received multiple tips in the last few weeks but still need the public’s help.
The reward for information leading to an arrest has increased to $10,000.
“Whether you overheard something in a barbershop or beauty salon, a significant other, anything that you’ve heard we can use that info to bring this individual to justice,” said Williams.
The family said they are just hoping for some closure during this dark and difficult time.
“She’s still living, you know, in my heart. She will forever live in my heart. She will never ever be forgotten,” Dukes said. “This could be any family. Who would think this would be my life story?”
Police said the shooter was in a gray Nissan sedan.
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 the reward.
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