Miami

Hundreds Rally for Peace in Opa-locka After Man's Death

Hundreds of people gathered in Opa-locka on Thursday to fight back against the violence that has overtaken the community.

A young, vibrant man was shot and killed over the weekend outside a grocery store. Now, the community is demanding the gun violence stop.

Chants could be heard for blocks as residents took to the streets. Hundreds marched in memory of 36-year-old Freddie London, who was gunned down in his car outside a grocery store off State Road 9.

"He did everything for me. I'm going to miss my brother. I just wish that never happened to him," said Freddie's sister, Latoya London.

"Very hard working, caring, always wanted to help a person, very nice. He was loved by everybody," said his other sister, Melvia Mack.

Freddie worked for Miami-Dade County, and just last week gave his first church sermon. Friends said the turnout proved how much he meant to the community.

"It did hit close to home being that I watched him grow up here at the park and coached him. He's a young man who gave everything and to see his life taken is a reminder of how precious and valuable life is," Opa-locka Commissioner Joseph Kelley said.

Miami-Dade Police arrested 25-year-old Turane Rouse, Jr. and charged him with murder. Investigators said the motive appears to be robbery. He's being held without bond.

As friends and family honor Freddie's life, there is a call to action to be vigilant, to be the eyes and ears of the community, and to replace the violence with peace.

"We need the community's help and involvement to spot suspicious activity and notify the police," said Police Chief Jeffrey Key.

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