A Cuban-American family became the center of a tragic event in southwest Miami's West Kendall neighborhood on Sunday, April 13, 2025. A sheriff's deputy shot and killed an armed man following an emergency call reporting a domestic violence situation. While it's unconfirmed if the assailant was also of Cuban descent, neighbors reported that the family had roots in Cuba, as revealed by Univision.
The domestic violence victim sought refuge at a relative's home in the Tuscany 3 Village neighborhood after fleeing Georgia, where she lived with her husband. According to NBC6, the man pursued her to South Florida, culminating in a violent episode that ended with his death at the hands of law enforcement.
911 Call and Police Response
The incident unfolded around 6:24 p.m. when the woman managed to call 911, alerting authorities that she was being assaulted by her partner. During the call, which remained open due to the ongoing physical altercation, she informed the dispatcher that the man was armed, according to Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Upon hearing the background commotion, the operator dispatched several officers to the residence at 13001 132 Terrace in the southwest part of the county.
Fatal Confrontation: Surveillance Footage and Witness Accounts
Surveillance cameras from a neighboring house captured the moment a sheriff's deputy confronted the man, who had exited a white pickup truck with Georgia plates parked in front of the home. The footage shows the officer shouting at the suspect to raise his hands and inquiring if he had a weapon. The man lifted his shirt, seemingly to reveal he was armed, at which point the officer fired his weapon.
The man fell to the ground, and the officer issued further commands before firing again. "The suspect drew a weapon on the deputy, and the deputy shot him. He was taken to a local hospital where he died," Sheriff Cordero-Stutz added.
The Sheriff's Office released images of the gun and its holster recovered at the scene. The identity of the man has yet to be disclosed, though it is estimated he was between 25 and 35 years old.
Neighborhood Reactions: Fear and Uncertainty
Residents of Tuscany 3 Village reported hearing a loud argument followed by gunfire. Many described the experience as terrifying. "I think it was four shots, then a pause, and then about four more," said Ashley Arenares, a local resident. Ulas Issi, another neighbor, added, "I heard voices, maybe a lady and a man arguing, and within seconds, I heard five or six gunshots."
Two teenagers told 7News they were watching a movie when the shooting occurred. One recounted, "We heard a lot of shots." The other added, "About seven shots, and then [the officer] said, 'Drop the gun,' and the guy dropped it, and the cops kicked it away."
Security cameras captured part of the altercation's audio. One recording clearly features a man shouting, "I don't give a damn about anything in this world."
A Disturbing Pattern of Domestic Violence
Sheriff Cordero-Stutz emphasized the serious nature of such incidents and their impact on both victims and officers. She noted that, unfortunately, this case exemplifies how domestic violence can escalate into deadly situations. "Sadly, this is another instance of a 911 call starting with domestic violence. We've seen too many lately, whether in the news or in our community," she stated.
"I want to tell those in crisis due to domestic violence to call 911. Please, let us help you. That's our job, and we're more than willing to do it," she urged. The sheriff also highlighted that additional resources are available beyond the immediate crisis through the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office website.
Ongoing Investigation
As is protocol in officer-involved shootings, the case has been handed over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). No officers were injured in the incident, and no charges have been filed so far.
Investigators have not yet disclosed the specific reasons behind the dispute that led to such a tragic outcome. The incident occurred just hours before a Nicaraguan man killed his wife at Del Toro Insurance offices in Miami on Monday morning.
Understanding Miami's Domestic Violence Challenges
What triggered the police shooting in Miami?
The shooting was triggered by a domestic violence incident where an armed man confronted a sheriff's deputy, leading to the deputy firing in self-defense.
What was the role of the Cuban family in the incident?
The Cuban family was indirectly involved as the incident occurred at their residence, where the domestic violence victim sought refuge.
How did the neighborhood react to the shooting?
Residents were alarmed and frightened, reporting hearing multiple gunshots and experiencing panic during the event.
What steps can victims of domestic violence take in Miami?
Victims are encouraged to call 911 for immediate assistance and utilize resources provided by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for ongoing support.