A 29-year-old man who investigators say opened fire on a former roommate in the heart of downtown Miami has now turned himself in, bringing a tense weekend shooting case straight into police custody.
Detectives say the victim bolted from the scene and later reported the encounter, setting off an investigation that pulled together surveillance footage and witness statements and ultimately pointed to a single suspect. The arrest has rattled some downtown regulars as officers work to pin down why the confrontation escalated to gunfire in the first place.
According to an arrest report reviewed by Local 10, the shooting unfolded around 3:50 p.m. Sunday near the 200 block of Southeast Second Avenue, where officers later recovered three 9 mm shell casings. The victim told detectives he had just walked out of La Granja at 127 SE Second Ave. when he ran into his former roommate and two other people, and that Dontae Equain Wilkerson pulled a gun as the group moved along the street.
Investigators say surveillance video shows Wilkerson firing at the victim as he ran away. Jail records list Wilkerson as facing charges of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, illegal use or display of a firearm during a felony, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place.
Charges and custody
Wilkerson turned himself in on Wednesday, where, according to the arrest report, he was read his Miranda rights and then asked for an attorney. He is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center while bond is set. The county corrections site identifies TGK as Miami-Dade’s pretrial detention center.
What police are asking and next steps
Detectives say a motive for the shooting is still unknown and the investigation remains active. Authorities are reviewing more video and continuing to interview witnesses, and anyone who has information or footage from the area around Southeast Second Avenue on Sunday afternoon is urged to contact Miami police. Court dates and additional case details will be set as the matter moves through the system.
