A boy was shot and killed by in southwest Miami-Dade on Friday and police are urging the community to help in the case — offering a $25,000 reward for information that may lead to an arrest.
The shooting occurred at 214 Street and SW 114 Court. Though it was first reported the boy was struck by a stray bullet, police have not yet determined the circumstances of the fatal shooting.
Miami-Dade Police Department Sgt. Carlos Rosario said officers responded to reports of a male shot at 6:19 p.m.
When police arrived at the scene, they found a 2-year-old boy was shot. The child was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center but was declared dead, Rosario said.
The boy was identified as Carnell Williams Thomas.
"Once again we find ourselves mourning the death of a child," Rosario said, adding that the MDPD will do everything in its ability to "locate the person responsible."
"We do ask that the community please step in," Rosario said. "We need your help – we really do."
"This is my plea to our community – please, please, if you know something, anything, about this extremely tragic death of an innocent child, get on the phone & call [Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers] immediately. We owe it to the family. Please," State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle wrote on Twitter.
"My heart aches as once again a small child has died as a result of a shooting. Miami-Dade PD Homicide will use all resources to apprehend, and help prosecute the responsible party. Justice will prevail," Miami-Dade Police Department Director Juan Perez wrote on Twitter.
Local
Authorities are offering a reward up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
