CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are investigating after a University of Miami student was found killed inside his apartment in Coral Gables.
Miami-Dade Police and UM officials launched a homicide investigation into the death of 23-year-old architecture student Yasser Talal Ibrahim Abualfaraj after his body was found inside an off-campus apartment in the area of the 6500 block of Santona Street, Sunday afternoon.
“I saw them load in the body when I was leaving for work this morning,” said area resident Andrea Levine. “That was a little bit harrowing.”
Officials said the student’s roommate made the gruesome discovery and alerted law enforcement.
“The body was found with multiple signs of trauma,” MDPD Detective Chris Thomas said. “We can’t go exactly into what type of trauma. We’re waiting for the medical examiner to do their investigation.
Officials later confirmed the student’s cause of death was by stabbing with an undetermined object.
Blood was observed in front of the student’s apartment, as well as a motorcycle in the parking lot, which was labeled as part of the crime scene.
Friends of Abualfaraj said he was from Saudi Arabia and had been in his third year of the school’s architecture program.
Residents in the community reflected on what they believe is a loss of their sense of security.
“I’m a little concerned. This is usually a very safe place overall,” neighbor Rani Giha said. “It’s pretty shocking to hear about what happened at Apartment 20.”
“I don’t really want to sleep here today,” another resident added. “I don’t necessarily feel comfortable.”
University officials said grief counselors and chaplains have been made available to the UM community.
“I just feel sorry for the kid and for his family,” neighbor Luis Jimenez said. “I have a younger brother, and I see the kid’s picture, and it just breaks my heart.”
Detectives were seen back at the apartment complex Monday evening, walking into a different apartment located one floor up. However, they did not specify whether the two scenes were connected.
Investigators are looking into any possible leads and hope the public can assist in finding out what happened here.
“The fact that he is not here anymore with us is very disturbing, that this young man’s future has been cut short,” Thomas said.
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 $3,000 reward.
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