Who killed "T.J."? Friends mourn beloved Liberty City figure as search for gunman continues
Investigators are searching for a shooter who killed a man early Monday morning in Liberty City, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said.
Friends of the victim told CBS News Miami that the victim, known as "T.J.," had been struggling with issues including homelessness, and they said they do not know why someone would have killed him.
Deputies said they could not confirm if T.J. had been homeless recently but said they are appealing for help, noting they do not have a motive or a description of a shooter to release at this time.
The sheriff's office said gunfire erupted around 4:19 a.m. at NW 18th Ave. and 66th St. Investigators said the victim was taken to the hospital but did not survive.
Witnesses recall hearing gunfire in Liberty City shooting
Bobby, who did not give his last name, said he knew the victim.
"That is messed up," he said. "I was just talking to him yesterday. He liked to crack jokes and was cool and was in good spirits. I thought whoever did this, that is messed up. Again, when I heard this, I thought I was just talking to him and that is crazy."
Bobby said he heard the gunfire.
"When I got up to use the bathroom, I heard the shot. I did not pay much attention to it because I was in the house and I laid back down."
The shooting happened near a neighborhood market.
Yaya Wellons said she also knew the victim and heard the gunfire.
"At the time I did not think it was anything dangerous because I just heard a pop," she said. "It wasn't like pow, pow, pow, pow, pow. It was just pop. Unfortunately this happened to someone close to me. I don't know where this came from."
Friends and neighbors call for peace after Liberty City killing
Wellons said, "This is going to change my whole system of what I am used to. If anybody misses someone from their daily routine, you are sad."
"I have a campaign that I really want to push forward and that is to put down the guns. Anger needs to be dealt with. Deal with your anger and put down the guns. I have one option and that is let's go boxing," she added.
Wellons also said: "I want everyone to be still and be at peace and be blessed."
Friends of T.J. said they were going to set up a memorial for him at the crime scene.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said anyone with information that can help should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).