Nearly two decades after her son was shot to death in southwest Miami-Dade, Tracy Brown is renewing her appeal for help. She told CBS News Miami that she will not stop pushing until the killing is solved.
Brown spoke at the apartment complex near Southwest 137th Avenue and 268th Street, where the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old Luis Leon Jr. was killed. The complex, formerly the Villages of Naranja, is now called Malibu Gardens. Detectives say Leon was shot multiple times on the night of April 17, 2007.
“He wasn’t an angel, but he was my child,” Brown said. “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” She said she keeps his memory alive by posting about him on Facebook.
Detective Juan Segovia said Leon had been talking with two to four people before he was shot. Investigators do not know how many suspects were involved or what led to the shooting. Segovia said police have heard rumors about gambling, a possible drug deal and a dispute, but none have been confirmed. He said at least 50 people were in the courtyard that night, and no one at the scene has come forward.
Segovia said the case has no statute of limitations and detectives are still looking for a lead. Anyone with information can call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $5,000 is available.
