Jose Velez, a 16-year-old boy, was tragically shot and killed on December 27, 2017, in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. The incident occurred near Northeast Miami Place and 57th Street. On that day, neighbors reported hearing gunshots, and the young boy was found lying face up in a backyard. Family members, including Jose's mother Wanda Gomez and his cousin Marilyn Davila, were devastated by the sudden loss. Gomez expressed her deep pain, but also mentioned that she forgives the person who committed the crime, while other family members made public pleas for any information to help solve the case.
The Miami Police Department has continued its investigation but has yet to find any suspects. A reward of $3,000 is being offered for information that could lead to an arrest. Authorities are encouraging anyone who might have seen or heard something to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously. Jose, also known by friends and family as "Chillito," was working on earning his GED before his untimely death. His family remembers him as a happy and loving young man, and they are asking for justice to bring closure to this painful tragedy.
