Breakthrough in 12-Year-Old Cold Case: Suspect Identified in Teen’s Robbery and Fatal Shooting
A Witness Comes Forward
After 12 years without answers, a single witness has come forward to help identify a suspect in the robbery and fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in Miami.
The Incident
The crime occurred on Dec. 22, 2012, when teenager Bryan Herrera was on the way to his friend’s house to finish homework when he was gunned down in broad daylight at the intersection of Northwest 11th Avenue and 39th Street.
His destination was only four blocks away, but Herrera was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he died shortly after.
Policing Efforts
Police said that though they traced the 911 call to a nearby home, the cellphone’s owner had lent his phone to a witness, who left after calling authorities.
Family’s Plea for Help
Several family members, including Bryan’s sister, father, mother, stepfather, and stepmother, begged for the public’s help, but to no avail.
New Lead and Arrest Warrant
Until June of this year, when an attorney representing the witness contacted the police, there had been no new leads in the case.
The Witness’s Testimony
The witness, whose initials are not disclosed in the arrest warrant, reportedly met with authorities in July and provided a detailed account of what he saw. He said he was driving to a relative’s house when he turned southbound onto NW 11th Avenue and 39th Street and noticed two people struggling with each other.
The witness claimed he tried to intervene, saying, “Can’t we just get along?” but the teen just mouthed, “I’m being robbed.”
Arrest and Charges
Police tracked down 30-year-old Adrian Oneal Grimes, also known as “Peanut” or “Nut,” at the Federal Detention Center, where the witness had previously been held on a pending drug-related charge.
Conclusion
The Miami Police Department has finally secured a breakthrough in the long-standing cold case, bringing closure to Bryan Herrera’s family and loved ones after 12 years of heartbreak and uncertainty.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect accused of killing Bryan Herrera?
A: Adrian Oneal Grimes, 30, also known as “Peanut” or “Nut.”
Q: When did the crime occur?
A: December 22, 2012.
Q: Why did the police investigation stall?
A: A lack of leads and an inability to identify the person who lent their phone to a witness, which later became a crucial piece of evidence.
Q: Did the witness receive any rewards or benefits for coming forward?
A: No, authorities told the witness that there would be no benefits for their cooperation.
