CUTLER BAY, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have released a photo of the suspected gunman who shot and killed a 24-year-old mother in Southwest Miami-Dade.
The image Miami-Dade Police detectives released shows a man holding a gun in his outstretched arm, and they believe he is responsible for Leshonte Jones’ murder. Jones’ family shared the flier with 7News.
“We’re trying to figure out what was the motive here,” Miami-Dade Police detective Alvaro Zabaleta said. “We’re trying to figure out what caused this type of senseless violence.”
Darlene Dukes, the victim’s mother, is pleading with the public to come forward with information to help investigators catch the killer.
“Help me, please. I need to have justice at least. I need to know who did this to my baby,” she said. “My baby didn’t do anything to nobody for them to take her life so tragically.”
The shooting happened in the area of Southwest 258th Street and U.S. 1, Monday afternoon. Jones had arrived home from work, where she served as a Transportation Security Administration officer at Miami International Airport.
Jones’ 3-year-old daughter had to be rushed to the hospital after she was grazed with bullet fragments. She is recovering at home.
Family members said Jones was a dedicated mother who worked as a TSA officer at Miami International Airport. They said she loved her family and kept her circle small and safe, which is why her being gunned down doesn’t make any sense.
“She didn’t deserve this,” Dukes said. “I’m begging y’all, please. Help me. Please say something, help me. This is the darkest hour of my life. I’m begging you, please. Please.”
Daniel Ronan, MIA’s Federal Security Director, released a statement following Jones’ death that read, in part, “Words just cannot properly convey the immense loss all of us are feeling at this moment.”
Police tweeted out a flier on Tuesday hoping people would come forward with information on Jones’ murder.
Detectives are looking for a four-door dark gray Nissan the subject used to get away from the area.
“This is the type of senseless gun violence we need to stop,” Zabaleta said. “The only way we’re going to be able to stop it is if we come together as a community, and we start talking. Give us any type of description, it doesn’t matter how small it will be. Investigators can use every piece of information.”
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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