shooting

Family Pleads For Public's Help After Teen Gunned Down in Overtown

The family of a teenager gunned down in a drive-by shooting is asking for the public's help to find his killers.

Julian Bryant, 17, died on Wednesday from wounds he suffered in a drive-by shooting on December 14th. Detectives are still looking for the people who shot him and the other victims when they were standing near their homes in Overtown at NW 2nd Avenue and 13th Street.

"We're in shock," said Horace Bryant, Julian's father. "He was just hanging out. He wasn't doing anything."

Bryant's father and sisters called his death senseless, saying he had his entire future in front of him and didn't deserve to die this way.

"They took the only thing I had left," said Ortisha Holt, Bryant's sister. "He was all I had."

One man in his 50s who was also shot remains in the hosptial and three others are recovering. Detectives said a high-powered rifle and another weapon were both fired from a passing vehicle.

"People are very skeptical about telling us if they know who did it, or who did it, or if they saw a vehicle," said Detective John Rusinque. "We have no idea at this point."

The detectives know a black SUV was nearby but can't say if the shots came from it.

Bryant's family hopes by speaking out that those in the neighborhood who know something will come forward. His sister told us her mother was also a murder victim over a decade ago.

"Can you please just come forward," Holt pleaded. "You can remain anonymous. You don't have to give your name. Just come forward."

Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $3,000. Anyone with information is urged to call them at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).

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