Tragic Incident Outside Homestead Food Store: A Community Shaken
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – In a shocking turn of events, a 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of 65-year-old Sidney Report Myers outside a local food store, El Charrito Supermarket. The incident, which occurred during the evening of April 12, has left residents stunned and grieving.
The Incident Unfolds
A Fateful Evening
At approximately 7:55 p.m., Myers was socializing peacefully with friends outside the supermarket located at 708 SW Sixth Ave. when he became the focus of a violent confrontation. Leon Lamont Hillman, the accused, approached wearing a light-colored hoodie, his intentions scattered like ashes in the wind.
Surveillance Footage Tells a Harrowing Tale
Authorities released surveillance footage showing Hillman brandishing a revolver. In a chilling display, he opened fire on Myers at point-blank range. Witnesses reported that Myers desperately “flailed his arms” in an attempt to defend himself, but Hillman continued to unleash a torrent of bullets, not stopping even when Myers collapsed to the ground.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
The chaotic scene saw witnesses fleeing, while Hillman fled in a northern direction on Southwest Sixth Avenue. Despite being critically injured, Myers displayed remarkable resilience; he managed to ride his bicycle about two blocks before tragically collapsing at the intersection of Southwest Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue.
A nearby Florida City police officer was alerted by a bystander who spotted Myers unresponsive on the sidewalk, his bicycle lying nearby in stark contrast to the quiet of the evening.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Immediate Medical Attention
Upon arrival, the responding officer discovered Myers bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. Within moments, backup was called, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue rushed to the scene. Myers was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m.
Unraveling the Mystery
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office quickly took over the investigation, with detectives piecing together the events surrounding the shooting. A crucial witness, who recognized Hillman from his electric wheelchair near the scene, provided invaluable testimony that identified Hillman as the shooter. This witness was not only familiar with Hillman but also recognized him as the father of his niece’s child.
Legal Proceedings
Charges and Current Status
As the inquiry deepened, it became clear that Hillman would face severe legal consequences. He is now charged with first-degree murder with a firearm or deadly weapon, currently held without bond at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
A Community in Mourning
The community’s grief deepens with the absence of Myers. As of now, the motive for the shooting remains a mystery, unanswered questions echoing through the streets of Homestead.
Call for Justice
Authorities urge anyone with further information regarding this heartfelt tragedy to reach out to Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. Each piece of information could play a crucial role in unraveling this tragic loss to the city.
This heart-wrenching incident reminds us that life can pivot on a dime, impacting not just the victims but an entire community. As we process this tragedy, may it serve as a call for peace and reflection.
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