The Miami-Dade Police are actively investigating a shooting at Southpoint Crossing Apartments that took the life of a 9-year-old boy, Antavious Scott, on Saturday night in Florida City. According to CBS News Miami, police responded to the apartment complex on W. Lucy Street around 9:36 p.m. after a multiple gunshot alert. Neighbor Edwin Rivera recounted the harrowing moment, saying, "In that moment I heard one gunshot. It was one and it was very strong. And then it was a lot like 15 or 20 shots."
Upon arrival, officers discovered young Antavious unresponsive with at least one gunshot wound. Despite their immediate aid and lifesaving efforts by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the boy sadly succumbed to his injuries after being airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. A witness described the event to WSVN, stating, "Like 15 minutes ago, they were shooting here," and added, "It looked to be one of the kids from the apartments here, and the ambulance took him away. I don’t know if he was dead, but they were giving him CPR," as covered by Hoodline.
The Miami-Dade Police Homicide Bureau is now in charge of the case. Though the details are scarce, police said the child was outside with a group when the shots were fired and he was hit. No arrests have yet been made, and the detectives are calling on anyone with information to come forward. A statement obtained by Local 10 News from the police department noted the occurrence of other recent shootings in Florida City, one resulting in death and another in serious injury, clearly signaling a disturbing pattern.
The family of Antavious Scott held a candlelight vigil last night. During this somber gathering, Florida City Commissioners Walter Thompson and James Gold were there to offer comfort. Thompson, also related to the victim, highlighted the urgent crime issue, "It’s a sad point for Florida City, we had four shootings and three deaths, and one thing you can believe in is in Florida City we do solve our crimes," he told Local 10 News. In response to these violent incidents, Crime Stoppers has offered up to a $5,000 reward for information that might help to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.
