Man charged in death of Coral Gables woman intentionally run over during car theft, police say
MIAMI -- Miami police have arrested a man accused of stealing a woman's vehicle and intentionally running her over and killing her in Miami when she confronted him, officials said Friday.
Jonah Desaulniers, 23, of Miami Beach, is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Mercedes Lopez, 71, according to police.
Desaulniers appeared before judge in bond court who said, "Charge is 1st-degree murder. Probable cause no bond."
He was wearing a green vest that is normally reserved for those on suicide watch.
The incident occurred Thursday around 5:45 a.m. at SW 27th Avenue and 22nd Terrace next to a supermarket, police said.
When police arrived, they found the woman laying in the roadway, which is where she died, according to police.
An unidentified neighbor told CBS4 that she was deeply upset.
She said, "I just want justice for the family of the lady. We all need him to pay for this."
Miami Police Officer Kiara Delva told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "It is a case that is very disturbing to us. It is unclear why he would do such a thing. The subject was in the area and stole the victim's vehicle and when the victim realized it she began to confront the individual at which point he intentionally ran her over and then fled the scene."
Police were called a short time later to the intersection of Miracle Mile and Salzedo Street and found a brown Honda SUV with front-end damage that apparently occurred when the woman was struck.
Officers detained the suspect during a traffic stop at SW 32nd Avenue and Dixie Highway a short time later, according to the police report.
Police said Desaulniers did give a statement to investigators but they could not say what he said.
Delva said, "What I can confirm is that the statement were quite disturbing and we are thankful we located him and charged him accordingly. It was great work by our homicide detectives and we are very thankful to the Coral Gables police department as well."
A check of Desaulniers shows only some minor infractions in the past. D'Oench also stopped by his Miami Beach home and spoke by telephone with a family member who declined to comment.
It was not immediately clear if bond has been set for Desaulniers.
