On July 19, 2023, a deadly incident occurred at a Walmart store located at 33501 S. Dixie Highway in Florida City, near the Florida Turnpike. The incident began as a fight between two groups of men inside the store, which escalated into gunfire. Nathaniel Baez, a 23-year-old man from Homestead, Florida, was involved in the altercation and was fatally shot.
According to police, the fight started shortly before 3 p.m. and ended in gunfire when one of the men, identified as Steve Lestin, 25, pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Lestin has been charged with second-degree murder with a weapon and attempted felony murder with a weapon. He confessed to the crime, according to police.
In addition to Lestin, two other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident: Roberto Acevedo, 20, and Jimari Hodge, 21. Both Acevedo and Hodge have been charged with battery. Baez was flown to Jackson South Trauma Center but did not survive his injuries.
The shooting also resulted in injuries to other individuals. A 72-year-old innocent bystander suffered a gunshot wound to the foot, and a woman was hurt when she struck her head while trying to run from the scene. Five other people were treated at the scene and released.
The incident caused widespread panic among shoppers and employees, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes of people running and screaming. Cell phone video captured the moments following the shooting, showing bystanders applying chest compressions to Baez and others in shock.
Police have stated that they are no longer looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting, as all suspects have been arrested. The Florida City Police Department and Miami-Dade police responded quickly to the scene and are continuing to investigate the incident. Walmart issued a statement expressing sadness over the event and their cooperation with local law enforcement.
