Mother of Miami anti-violence advocate Dwight Wells shares message for son's shooter: "You should repent for your sins"
The mother of anti-violence advocate Dwight C. Wells is speaking out days after her activist son was shot and killed while he was playing dominoes outside his Miami restaurant.
Those who knew Wells say he dedicated his life to serving his community and raising awareness about gun violence — only to be gunned down in cold blood. He dedicated his life to helping the city and fought to help kids stay out of trouble.
Dozens of bikers swarmed Northwest 17th Avenue Sunday evening — right outside Wells' Liberty City restaurant, Winning and Won Turkey Legs.
The bikers — paying their respects to the man who founded the "Bikes Up, Guns Down" anti-violence demonstrations.
Questions amount as the investigation continues
Mary Brown, Wells' mother, has more questions than answers following her son's death.
"Dwight to me was a loving person," she told CBS News Miami. "What's going through my mind is 'Why?' Why did you shoot my son?'"
According to Miami Police, Wells was outside his restaurant playing dominoes on Friday night when someone came up and shot him. Surveillance video shows the moments shots rang out Friday night.
Wells was rushed to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he died. Police are still searching for the suspect and a motive has not yet been released.
"You just killed a praying woman's son and you killed a son who prays himself. He loved God, he shared people — he shared God with people everywhere," she said.
A grieving mother shares a message of justice and love
Those who knew Wells say he not only helped the youth, but he also comforted and supported families of gun violence — and even helped his neighbors build their businesses.
Outside Wells' own restaurant, a memorial now sits just feet away from where he was ambushed. His mother shared this message with the person who took her son's life:
"Listen, shooter: When they catch you, I'm coming to court if God allows it. I want to hug you. I want to kiss you if the judge allows it. I want to tell you [that] you should repent for your sins because you have a choice for good or evil."
Wells was well-known in the community for his advocacy against gun violence, often helping families who lost loved ones who were shot and killed across Miami by putting together vigils and community events to spread awareness.
There will be a vigil outside of Wells' restaurant on Thursday night at 7 p.m. to honor his life. Police are asking anyone who knows anything to come forward and tipsters can remain anonymous.