DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police believe that foul play is a factor in the homicide investigation of the brother of a Miami Beach Police detective.
According to Davie Police, the body of a 21-year-old male was found inside a home near Southwest Ninth Place and 136th Avenue. A Miami Beach Police cruiser was parked outside the home.
The victim’s girlfriend, Josie Nyatt, told 7News the 21-year-old’s name is Daniel Padilla.
Officials were notified of the death around 5:40 p.m., Wednesday. Investigators believe the death is suspicious.
Police said they believe this is an isolated incident. “Our detectives were able to interview and speak to a number of people last night,” said Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle. “It was told to me this morning that they have a number of leads that they will be following up on today, but at this time, there is nobody in custody.”
Family and friends could be seen in shock as they tried to come to terms with what happened. “This is my first love,” said Nyatt. “I guess he was laying there. I asked to his mom if he was in his room, and that’s the only thing they know. We don’t know if he was on the bed or on the floor.”
A friend of the family said Padilla was making big plans for the future. “He wanted to start school. He wanted to just be bigger than everything around him,” said Kayla Henshaw as she held back tears. “It’s just not fair.”
Valentina Rave didn’t want to show her face on camera, after coming home to find more than just her neighborhood officers. “There’s actually a couple that live around here, and it’s always, like, super secure,” she said.
The department released a statement about the investigation that read, “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to our detective and her family.”
The Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police has asked that Padilla’s family be given privacy during this difficult time.
Police are waiting for autopsy results before they release a cause of death.
If you have any information on this investigation, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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