MIAMI (WSVN) - A 19-year-old girl was killed and her cousin was injured after, officials said, both teens were shot in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Thursday night.
According to Miami Fire Rescue, they received a call about the drive-by shooting, located near Northwest 66th Street and 12th Avenue, just before 9 p.m.
Relatives said the teens, identified as 19-year-old Antquinisha Flowers and her cousin, 17-year-old Arthur Man, had stepped out of her aunt’s house at the time of the shooting.
Police said they were gunned down by someone from inside a vehicle that drove near them.
“We heard gunshots, and when we went out, we saw her lying on the floor,” said Corey Martin, the girl’s cousin.
City of Miami Fire Rescue then transported both victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Antquinisha was transported in extremely critical condition to Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. “They shot at her chest, and she died,” said her mother, Shanell Flowers.
“She really had no pulse, was not breathing, so CPR was initiated on the way to the hospital,” said Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll.
Relatives told 7News Man was treated and released from the hospital.
Friday afternoon, 7News cameras captured grief-stricken family members consoling each other at the home of the aunt of the female victim, near the site of a growing makeshift memorial.
Antquinisha’s mother said the sudden loss of her daughter has left an irreplaceable void in her life. “I had just talked to my daughter earlier that day, and then later that night, my daughter’s gone,” said Shanell as she held back tears. “I can’t talk to her no more. I can’t do nothing with her no more.”
Friday night, mourners of all ages gathered at the site to light candles, pray and write loving messages in honor of Antquinisha. “Guard this family, carry this family,” said one woman as she led the rest in prayer.
“I appreciate this, because they show me that she was really loved by people,” said Shanell.
Even though the gathering was not planned until Friday, it was well attended.
Tiara Reese said she has been in a long-term relationship with Antquinisha for more than two years. “She did not deserve this,” she said.
Reese said her girlfriend was loved by many. “Loving, caring, always there,” she said as she stood next to the memorial.
“She was a kind person, and she always came outside to play with the kids,” said Martin.
Police do not have anyone in custody or know the motive behind the shooting. At this time, police are conducting their investigation as to what all took place here,” said Carroll. “There’s a lot of questions that still need to be answered.”
Relatives told 7News they do not believe Antquinisha was the intended target.
Friday afternoon, Miami Police detectives went door-to-door speaking with area residents near the scene of the shooting as they tried to gather clues.
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Public Schools’ superintendent took to social media to express his condolences.
Less than a week into the school year, two victims gunned down last night in community. Thoughts and prayers with them and all our children
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) August 26, 2016
“Before the first week of school was over, tragedy has struck again in our community,” he said. “They are not current students. Maybe at some point they were students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, but one thing: it matters not whether they were students then, now – they are children of our community.”
“She loved us. She don’t bother nobody,” said Reese.
Martin said he wants to move out of Liberty City. “I just want to move, get out of this,” he said.
During the candlelight memorial, Friday night, Shanell said she also intends to move away. “There’s no way that I can still stay here knowing that my daughter got killed,” she said.
Carvalho, among others, are urging residents to come forward with information that could help investigators. “See something, say something,” he said. “If you know about something, speak up.”
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 a $3,000 reward.
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