A surveillance video has emerged showing the exact moment when an argument between two young men ended tragically in Doral, Florida.
In the images, captured from a distance, you can see how the Cuban Jorge Zubigaray, 24 years old, violently strikes his friend Carlos Mena, also 24, who falls to the ground without the possibility to react.
Immediately afterward, Zubigaray —who was wearing a dark sweater— leaned forward and then ran away. The police report reveals that, without helping the victim, he took her shoes and fled in a black Porsche Macan.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the restaurant Twin Peaks, located at 8700 NW 18 Terrace, around 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 27.
The video has generated outrage, not only due to the violence of the act but also because the cause seems to have been a simple pair of sneakers.
According to the Doral police, the dispute between the two friends had been ongoing throughout the day. The subject: a pair of shoes. The argument escalated until it turned into an ambush in plain sight.
The arrest affidavit details that Zubigaray confronted Mena outside the restaurant and punched him in the face, causing him to fall backward and hit his head hard against the pavement.
Several witnesses, alarmed by what had happened, rushed to assist the victim and called 911.
One of the witnesses claimed to have seen Mena sending text messages with evident tension before the attack and heard the dry thud of the skull upon hitting the ground.
Carlos Mena, between life and death
Carlos Mena was urgently transferred to HCA Kendall Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery due to internal bleeding caused by the impact. He remains intubated in critical condition, under constant monitoring.
“It was a fight between two young men, each 24 years old, and for the rest of their lives, they will be affected: one was arrested on a felony charge, a serious charge, and the other is seriously injured in the hospital,” explained Edwin López, chief of the Doral Police, in a statement to Univision.
López took the opportunity to deliver a clear message to the community: “There are many ways to solve problems. This should not have happened.”
Zubigaray is under house arrest while the investigation progresses
One day after the events, Jorge Zubigaray voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.
He was arrested without resistance and transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He appeared in court, where he was placed under house arrest on bail while judicial proceedings continue.
Currently facing charges of attempted murder and theft. However, if Carlos Mena's health deteriorates or he passes away, the prosecutors could elevate the charges and charge him with homicide.
Rescue teams from the Miami-Dade Fire Department arrived at the scene and found the victim, also 24 years old, with a brain hemorrhage. He was urgently transferred to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Witnesses described Zubigaray as an impulsive person, and authorities confirmed that his mother was friends with the mother of the assaulted young man.
The arraignment has been scheduled for April 28 at 9:00 a.m., and it will be presided over by Judge Carlos H. Gamez of the Miami-Dade judicial circuit.
The police are asking for assistance from anyone who has information about this case to call Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade at 305-471-8477.
Frequently asked questions about the aggression in Doral over a pair of sneakers
What happened in the incident between Jorge Zubigaray and Carlos Mena in Doral?
Jorge Zubigaray violently struck Carlos Mena in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement, which resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Zubigaray then took Mena's shoes and fled the scene in a black Porsche Macan.
What is Carlos Mena's health status after the assault?
Carlos Mena was transferred to HCA Kendall Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery due to an internal hemorrhage. He remains intubated and in critical condition, under constant monitoring.
What charges is Jorge Zubigaray facing and what is his current situation?
Jorge Zubigaray faces charges of attempted murder and robbery. He is under house arrest as the judicial process moves forward, having voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.
How has the community reacted to the incident in Doral?
The video of the incident has generated outrage in the community, not only because of the violence of the act but also due to the trivial reason behind the aggression: a pair of shoes. The Doral police have urged the community to seek peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.
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