Danette Simmons, a 63-year-old grandmother from Miami Gardens, Florida, tragically lost her life on April 4, 2019, in a fatal shooting outside her home. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. in the 18800 block of Northwest 17th Court. According to family members, the shooting was sparked by a dispute over the ownership of a dog, a Yorkshire terrier named Chase. On the day of the incident, Chase had wandered into a neighbor's yard and was returned by the neighbor.
However, two unidentified strangers confronted Simmons, claiming the dog belonged to them. An argument ensued, and one of the strangers drew a gun, firing multiple shots and fatally wounding Simmons. Despite the family's assertions about the motive, police had not confirmed this at the time.
The investigation into Simmons' death was initially met with challenges, as no immediate arrests were made, and the shooter remained at large. The Miami Gardens Police Department and Miami-Dade County firefighters responded to the scene, but Simmons was pronounced dead upon their arrival. The community was left in shock and mourning, with loved ones describing Simmons as a caring and loving person who did not deserve such a tragic end. A candlelight vigil was held in her honor, highlighting the deep impact of her loss on her family and friends.
In a significant development, police arrested 25-year-old Lerio Minnis in connection with the fatal shooting. Minnis faced several charges, including second-degree murder with a weapon. Investigators revealed that Minnis had fired multiple shots into Simmons' residence, leading to her death. The arrest brought some relief to the grieving family, although the pain of losing Simmons remained. Minnis turned himself in to the authorities without incident, and the case proceeded through the legal system. The community continued to seek justice for Simmons, hoping that the legal proceedings would bring closure to the tragic event.
