On April 26, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in a mobile home park in the West Little River neighborhood of Miami-Dade County, Florida, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Barry Ellis III. The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. when Barry Ellis, who was visiting a home in the area, was shot in the chest.
According to the investigation, Ellis was with a group of friends, including a 16-year-old, who were showing off a gun.
The 16-year-old, later identified as Davad Brooks, accidentally discharged the weapon, hitting Ellis in the chest. Ellis was immediately rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital by people who were nearby, but despite medical efforts, he died shortly after arrival.
The police investigation revealed that the shooting was not believed to be intentional. Brooks turned himself in to police two days after the incident and was charged with manslaughter. He admitted to police that the shooting was accidental, stating that the gun was being passed around the group when it went off.
Barry Ellis' mother, Latasha Goldwire, expressed her deep sorrow and devastation over the loss of her son. She described Barry as a good child who only wanted to make friends and was not involved in any wrongdoing. The family was particularly hard hit, as Barry's younger sister frequently asks for her brother, making the loss even more difficult.
To help cover the funeral expenses, the family set up a GoFundMe page, which was organized by Latasha Goldwire. The community has been asked to provide any information related to the incident, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any tips that could aid in the investigation.
Barry Ellis attended Horace Mann Middle School and did not live in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. The area has experienced similar incidents in the past, leaving residents concerned about safety. The community and Ellis' family continue to seek answers and justice in the wake of this tragic event.
