Dynette Early, a 31-year-old African American woman and mother of three, was tragically shot and killed on December 26, 2018, in Northwest Miami-Dade, Florida. The incident occurred near the Lincoln Fields Apartments at Northwest 62nd Street and Northwest 20th Avenue. Early, who was affectionately known as Dee Dee by her family and friends, was sitting outside the apartment building talking to family members when she was struck by gunfire.
Despite being rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. The shooting also resulted in minor injuries to a 36-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, who were grazed by bullets but were expected to recover.
The investigation revealed that Dynette Early was not the intended target of the shooting. Surveillance footage showed two males entering a convenience store near the scene shortly before the shooting. They were later seen firing multiple rounds through a fence before fleeing the area. The senseless nature of the crime left the community in shock and mourning, with many describing Early as a kind and dedicated mother who was deeply loved by those around her.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police arrested 16-year-old James Wooden, who was charged with second-degree murder. Wooden, who was identified through surveillance footage, was believed to have been involved in the shooting along with another suspect who remained at large. The arrest of Wooden brought some measure of relief to Early's family, though the pain of her loss continued to weigh heavily on them. Wooden's case was particularly tragic as he was just a teenager, and there were discussions about the possibility of him being tried as an adult.
The community held a candlelight memorial to honor Dynette Early's memory, reflecting on her life and the impact she had on those around her. Friends and family members expressed their grief and called for justice, urging anyone with information about the second suspect to come forward. The investigation into the shooting continued, with police and Early's loved ones hoping for the apprehension of the remaining suspect and a resolution to the case.
