Maurice DeAndre Reese Bellamy, a 28-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on November 4, 2022, in the Gladeview neighborhood of northwest Miami-Dade, Florida. Bellamy, who was an employee of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, was found with a gunshot wound near Northwest 72nd Street and 13th Avenue after police responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 3:45 a.m.
Despite efforts by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to perform CPR, Bellamy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bellamy was well-regarded in his community and worked at Lorah Park Elementary School. His mother, Lashika Nelson, described him as a "beautiful soul" who was passionate about helping children and active in his church's youth ministry. On the night of his death, Bellamy had been visiting his grandmother after attending a homecoming event for Florida Memorial University. He was reportedly in the area to swap cars with his mother, as he needed a larger vehicle to move his office following a recent promotion.
The investigation into Bellamy's death is ongoing, with police treating the incident as a homicide. His mother speculated that his bright orange Dodge Challenger might have made him a target, as his body was found near the car with the driver's side door open. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the case. Miami-Dade Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, emphasizing that tips can be provided anonymously.
Bellamy's death has left a significant impact on his family, friends, and the community he served. Crisis counselors were dispatched to Lorah Park Elementary to support students and staff in the wake of the tragedy. The community continues to seek justice for Bellamy, hoping that the investigation will lead to the apprehension of those responsible for his untimely death.
