Robert Engleton, a 19-year-old African American male, was tragically murdered on May 2, 2017, in Miami, Florida. His body was discovered around 2 a.m. at the edge of a park located at SW 143rd Street and Boggs Drive, following reports of a shooting. The man who found him reported that it appeared Robert had been shot in the chest. Robert was described by his family and friends as a genuine and caring individual who had recently started a new job and was living with his step-father after the
loss of his mother. He was known for his dedication to his job and his supportive nature towards his family, particularly his grandmother and cousins.
The circumstances surrounding Robert's death suggest that he may have been lured to the park under false pretenses. His cousin, Darrell Collins, expressed his belief that Robert was set up, possibly following a phone call that led him to the location where he was ultimately killed. Despite the family's pleas for information and justice, the investigation faced significant challenges. Miami-Dade police were actively seeking surveillance footage and any leads that could help identify the suspects involved. However, as of the latest updates, no descriptions or names of suspects had been released, and the case remained unsolved.
The impact of Robert's death was profound on his family and the community. His girlfriend, Jukeara Brown, and his cousin, Darrell Collins, were vocal about their grief and the need for justice. They, along with community activists like Romania Dukes, the founder of Mothers Fighting for Justice, urged anyone with information to come forward. Dukes, who had also lost her son to gun violence, emphasized the importance of community involvement in curbing such senseless acts of violence. The family hoped that solving Robert's case would bring some measure of closure and highlight the broader issue of street violence affecting many families in Miami.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the lack of concrete leads and the absence of suspects made it difficult for the authorities to make significant progress. The community's call for justice remained strong, with a reward of up to $3,000 being offered for information leading to an arrest. The case of Robert Engleton serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the urgent need for collective efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
