Introduction to the Case
A South Florida man was found guilty Thursday afternoon of ambushing and killing a man outside a North Miami motel in 2013. After about six hours of deliberating, jurors found 30-year-old Anthawn Ragan guilty of murdering 21-year-old Luis Perez at the Motel 7 at 13445 Northwest 7th Avenue.
The Trial and Evidence
For the past four days, state attorneys tried convincing jurors that Ragan planned out a sophisticated plan and was caught on surveillance video surprising Perez and shooting him multiple times with his codefendant Terry Allen Nealy.
After the shooting, state attorney Arvind Singh stated in front of jurors that Ragan skipped away like a child. "It is very strange for someone to have skip in their step after doing what should be one of the hardest things to do. Point a gun at someone and pull the trigger multiple times," Singh said.
Drama in the Courtroom
There was plenty of drama in a Miami-Dade courtroom Monday as the trial of a man charged in a 2013 murder at a North Miami motel got underway, with jurors getting to watch shocking surveillance footage of the killing and a second suspect who already pleaded guilty refusing to testify.
Previous Incidents and Convictions
On top of Perez’s murder, prosecutors were allowed to mention a 2019 incident where Ragan was convicted of attempting to kill a man named Kevin Burke. In 2023, records show Ragan was sentenced to 37 years. State attorneys were also allowed to tell jurors about the tragic shooting at a nail salon that happened weeks after the motel incident. Surveillance video allegedly also showed Ragan entering the salon while shooting. A 10-year-old boy named Aaron Vu was killed.
Testimonies and Statements
Jurors heard from Vu’s father Hai, who told them he was shot in the shoulder and "hit with a gun." However, he was not allowed to mention that his son was murdered. "This man is the man holding the gun at each of these incidents, and to further prove that on that day, October 31, 2013, he was also the man holding the gun and shooting Luis Perez," Singh said.
Defense Strategy
Nealy, the codefendant, was supposed to testify against Ragan per his 20-year prison deal offer he accepted; however, on the first day of trial, he refused. Instead, jurors heard a statement from Nealy. On the other hand, Ragan’s attorney spent the trial balancing between casting doubt on their client not being the shooter and also stating that if he was the shooter, the correct charge would be second-degree murder rather than a first. "Look at all the evidence and you do not think the state has proven a premeditated murder beyond a reasonable doubt, then you do not convict him of that," said Adam Goodman, Ragan’s defense attorney.
Penalty Phase
Now that Ragan was convicted of first-degree murder, his case will enter the penalty phase next month, where jurors will hear more testimony and will eventually have to vote to recommend life or death as a sentence.
Conclusion
The conviction of Anthawn Ragan for the murder of Luis Perez outside a North Miami motel in 2013 marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and his family. The case highlighted the complexities of the justice system, including the use of surveillance footage, testimonies from witnesses and codefendants, and the consideration of previous convictions. As Ragan’s case moves into the penalty phase, the community awaits the final outcome, which could result in the death penalty.
FAQs
- Q: What was Anthawn Ragan found guilty of?
A: Ragan was found guilty of first-degree murder for the killing of Luis Perez. - Q: What was the role of Terry Allen Nealy in the case?
A: Nealy was Ragan’s codefendant who initially agreed to testify against Ragan as part of a 20-year prison deal but later refused. - Q: What happens next in Ragan’s case?
A: Ragan’s case will proceed to the penalty phase, where jurors will decide whether to recommend life in prison or the death penalty. - Q: What other incidents was Ragan involved in, according to the prosecution?
A: Ragan was also implicated in a 2019 incident involving the attempted murder of Kevin Burke and a tragic shooting at a nail salon where a 10-year-old boy, Aaron Vu,! was killed.
