Maysel Figueroa, a 32-year-old Hispanic woman, tragically lost her life on June 6, 2010, in a horrific shooting incident at the Yoyito Cafe-Restaurant in Hialeah, Florida. The incident unfolded when Gerardo Regalado, 38, entered the restaurant and opened fire, specifically targeting women. Regalado, who was the estranged husband of one of the victims, Liazan Molina, 24, began his rampage by shooting Molina outside the restaurant before moving inside and continuing his attack.
Maysel Figueroa, along with three other women, was killed in this senseless act of violence. Regalado bypassed at least two men during the shooting, indicating his intent to harm women specifically.
The aftermath of the shooting left the community in shock and mourning. Maysel Figueroa was remembered as a devoted mother to her 5-year-old son, Kebin. She had recently started working at the Yoyito Cafe-Restaurant, hoping to improve her life and provide a better future for her son. Her death left a profound impact on her family and friends, who described her as a loving and dedicated mother.
Following the shooting, Gerardo Regalado fled the scene but was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound a few blocks away. This tragic event not only claimed the lives of four women but also left three others critically injured. The investigation revealed that Regalado had a history of domestic issues with his estranged wife, Liazan Molina, which likely contributed to his violent actions that night.
The community of Hialeah came together to mourn the victims and support their families. Funerals were held for the victims, including Maysel Figueroa, where friends and family paid their respects and shared their grief. The state provided financial assistance for the funeral and burial costs of the victims, and efforts were made to ensure that Kebin, Maysel's young son, would be cared for in the aftermath of this tragedy.
This incident highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims. The loss of Maysel Figueroa and the other women in the shooting left a lasting scar on the community, serving as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such acts of violence.
