NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have released surveillance video showing three gunmen as they exited a white Nissan Pathfinder in Northwest Miami-Dade moments before, investigators said, they fired several rounds outside of a banquet hall, killing two people and injuring 21 others.
In the video, the gunmen are seen hopping out of the white SUV with assault-style rifles and handguns, along the 7300 hundred block of Northwest 186th Street, and then returning just six seconds later before speeding away, just after midnight, Sunday.
Monday afternoon, police located the Pathfinder submerged in a canal in the area of Northwest 154th Street and Second Avenue in North Miami-Dade.
7News cameras captured the vehicle being pulled out of the water. Investigators later dusted it for fingerprints.
Police said the Pathfinder was reported stolen on May 15.
In just three days, more than 30 people have been shot in Miami-Dade County.
Local leaders and law enforcement officers on Monday held a news conference calling for an end to the violence and for anyone who knows anything to come forward.
“In total, over 30 people shot and three dead so far,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This is unacceptable.”
Community leaders also addressed the Wynwood shooting that left one person dead and six others injured.
We have to be clear about what’s happening in Miami-Dade County. These are acts of domestic terrorism,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
The pain caused by those gunmen was on full display during the news conference when Clayton Dillard, whose 26-year-old son, Clayton Dillard III, was killed outside the El Mula Banquet Hall, unexpectedly stepped up to the podium.
“You killed my kid. You must burn! You’re gonna burn, you hear me?” he said.
Dillard had to be directed away from the scene as Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez III spoke.
Loved ones gathered to leave balloons, candles and flowers at a makeshift memorial. They identified the second victim as Desmond Owens, also 26.
Police said the shooting was not a random act.
“These gun violence driven murderers, who are targeting individuals and at the same time are hitting innocent people who have nothing to do with their beef,” said Ramirez.
Investigators said the gunmen waited in their vehicle for 20 to 40 minutes for concertgoers to gather out front.
“This resulted from an ongoing rivalry from two different groups,” said MDPD Maj. Jorge Aguiar of the Homicide Bureau. “We know that our intended target was most likely in front of the establishment when the shooting took place.”
Detectives said some people in the crowd shot back at the suspects.
According to police, feuds like these often escalate on social media with insults exchanged back and forth.
“So what do you get? Three individuals in a vehicle showing up somewhere and retaliating and then bragging about it,” Ramirez said. “That’s how foolish the gun violence is right now.”
The victims ranged from ages 17 to 32.
Kadedra Thomas was shot three times in the back. A bullet grazed her leg.
Her father, Rodney Thomas, shared pictures of her before she was released from the hospital.
“I’m angry, I’m hurt, I’m relieved,” he said. “I’m disappointed with the Black community, with our young people nowadays, how they just don’t value life.”
Several victims remain hospitalized as of late Monday night.
Speaking with 7News on the phone, Kadedra Thomas said she’s in a lot of pain and she’s tired, but thankfully, she is home from the hospital.
As two families prepare for funerals and others count their blessings, investigators asked the public to help get these gunmen off the streets.
“Together, all of us, we must work harder to bring justice to these families,” said Ramirez. “Know that the Miami-Dade Police Department will not stop. We will bring justice.”
“I can tell you that there is no fear that is greater for any person living in these communities than the fear of being gunned down in a community when all they’re doing is trying to live their daily lives,” said Hardemon.
Community leaders vowed to tackle gun violence using plans they’ve come up with to address it.
“Gun violence is an epidemic, and the pandemic has intensified it,” said Levine Cava. “We must invest in public safety, and we must invest in our communities.”
“We are going full tilt in every direction, from prevention, intervention, to reentry, because we know that after the fact is not good enough,” said community activist Morris Copeland. “We want to prevent these things before they even get to this point.”
If you have any information on this shooting or the gunmen’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $30,000 reward being offered with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
This reward is independent of the $100,000 reward offered by Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis.
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