
A tragic series of events unfolded in Hollywood when a man killed himself after shooting his two nephews. The violence disrupted an otherwise quiet afternoon on the 5800 block of McKinley Street, as police and emergency services swarmed the scene shortly before 4:30 p.m. Thursday, reported CBS News Miami. The man, identified as 53-year-old Tony Wierzba, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His two nephews, aged 15 and 21, were found with gunshot injuries and rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, with their condition remaining critical. The incident, seemingly stemming from a family tragedy, has no suspects at large according to the police. Neighbors revealed to CBS News Miami that the man who perished had lived with his nephews, both of whom had lost their father 15 years ago to gun violence.
Amid heartache and disbelief, friends and relatives gathered outside the bereaved home. "He was a great guy, just under a lot of pressure, a lot of stress," a friend, Eddie Bruns, told WSVN. Another friend, Dean Gregorio, reflected on Wierzba's character, "He’s such a laid-back guy. I mean, it’s crazy that he did this."
Community members expressed their unease, with a local resident, Chad Premo, stating, "I’ve been here in Florida a year and a half now, and I’ve heard of three shooting on the blocks that I’ve been. You know, it’s crazy." Another passerby, Victor Mott, shared his concerns about the safety at his regular bus stop near the crime scene: "That is my bus stop. I’ve got to come in tomorrow; that’s just crazy," he said, as per WSVN.
While authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the tragedy, the neighborhood grapples with the loss of a man described as a "gentle giant" who "would do anything for anybody," as neighbor Michelle McDougall lamented to CBS News Miami.