The Miami-Dade Police are actively searching for the person responsible for the murder of Delilah Ruiz, a 20-year-old woman who was shot on Saturday, February 8, in Hialeah.
Authorities have requested the community's help to identify and capture the suspect, who fled the scene after committing the crime.
The homicide occurred around 7:56 p.m. at the intersection of 189th Street and 63rd Avenue in northwest Hialeah, in the heart of a residential community.
The young woman was standing right in front of her house and her grandparents' home when the events unfolded. According to witnesses, a heated argument was heard first, followed by gunshots.
Severely injured, Ruiz was urgently transported by a rescue helicopter to Memorial West Hospital, where she was unfortunately pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.
Authorities have confirmed that a man shot him, but they have not provided further details about his identity or his relationship to the victim.
The suspect immediately fled the scene and has not yet been located.
The police have offered a reward of up to $5,000 for any reliable information leading to the capture of the murderer.
"We need your help to achieve justice for Delilah and her family," can be read in a post on the Crime Stoppers profile on X.
An improvised altar set up by the family marks the exact spot where Ruiz was shot and killed.
Neighbors and workers in the area have expressed their dismay at the rise of violence in the community.
"A good and pretty girl. I don't know what happened to that boy, to come and shoot her right there," a neighbor lamented.
"I believe that the violence in our community is not greater than in others, but lately it is a significant concern, because we are witnessing more violent acts than before," stated another local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous.
A campaign to honor their memory
Friends and family of Ruiz have opened a fundraising page on GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. In the campaign description, the heartfelt message reads:
Delilah had a bright future ahead of her, filled with dreams, love, and infinite potential. She was a beautiful soul who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, warmth, and contagious smile. Her sudden passing has left a void in our hearts that will never fully heal.
"As we go through this unimaginable moment of pain, we are asking for help to cover the funeral and memorial expenses. Any contribution, big or small, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly towards giving Delilah the peaceful and dignified goodbye she deserves", adds the post, which requests financial support for the burial expenses.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously at (305) 471-8477 or visit CrimeStoppers305.com.
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