Suspect Arrested in Kidnapping, Beating, and Shooting of Woman on Miami Beach
A month after the incident, a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping, beating, and shooting of a woman on Miami Beach.
Authorities Identify Second Suspect
Kelly James Perpall, 39, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of armed home invasion robbery, aggravated battery-kidnapping, and attempted felony murder. Another suspect, 33-year-old Latifah Mercedes Green, was arrested earlier this month on similar charges.
Investigation Reveals Grisly Details
According to arrest reports, Perpall and Green were among a group of individuals who beat the victim, kidnapped her, and held her in a car for over an hour before dragging her onto the side of the Julia Tuttle Causeway and shooting her three times.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on September 10, when Green and another woman allegedly arrived at a Miami home where the victim’s friend lived, asking for the victim. When the victim came to the door, they questioned her about money, drugs, and a stolen gun, the reports said. After the victim denied everything, they left and came back with at least three other men, who barged into the home.
Beating and Kidnapping
One of the men, who had been with the victim at a motel the day before, accused the victim of stealing his gun and asked where it was, before striking her "several times on the face with the firearm and his fist," the arrest report said. He then allegedly gave the gun to another man, who also beat the victim with it, and Green hit her on the head with a liquor bottle, police said.
The Shooting
A witness said one of the men took out a gun to stop anyone from intervening. The victim was dragged out of the home by her hair and forced into a Ford F-150 by the man who claimed she had his gun. Once in the car, the victim directed the suspects to her father’s house, claiming the gun was there.
The Arrests
Perpall was taken into custody on Tuesday and denied touching the victim, arrest reports said. Green, on the other hand, denied being at the scene when the victim was shot, police said.
Conclusion
The arrests of Perpall and Green bring to five the number of suspects in this heinous crime. The victim, who underwent extensive treatment, including being intubated, is still recovering from her injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the charges against Perpall and Green?
- Perpall was charged with armed home invasion robbery, aggravated battery-kidnapping, and attempted felony murder, while Green was charged with similar offenses.
- How many suspects have been arrested in this case?
- Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping, beating, and shooting of the woman on Miami Beach.
- What was the victim’s condition after the attack?
- The victim was shot three times and had to be intubated due to her severe injuries. She is still recovering.
