Damien Ramirez, a 16-year-old boy from Miami, FL, was tragically shot and killed on November 22, 2016. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when Damien and a friend were walking to get food from a nearby fast food restaurant. They were confronted by two young males who opened fire, striking Damien multiple times. He was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center but succumbed to his injuries.
A nearby homeless man in his 50s was also hit in the arm but survived.
The Miami Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting. On November 30, 2016, police arrested 21-year-old Richard Thompson in connection with Damien's murder. Thompson was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. An eyewitness and surveillance footage placed Thompson at the scene of the crime. When police arrested him at his apartment, they found a shotgun within arm's reach.
Damien's mother, Lissette Lantigua, expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her son, describing him as a beloved member of the community. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and police continue to seek additional information from the public.
