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Poet Gunned Down In N. Miami

NORTH MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – North Miami Police are trying to determine what led to the shooting death of local poet Willie Lee Bell, Jr., 46,  in front of his Literary Café and Poetry Lounge.

The shooting happened just after 12:30 a.m. on the 900 block of NE 125th Street. According to police, someone drove up and the passenger got out of the car and shot Bell multiple times.

North Miami Police said that multiple suspects were possibly seen leaving the scene in a dark colored vehicle with a spoiler on the rear, or a light colored car.

"At this time, we don't have a motive but we can tell you that nothing was taken. He had jewelry on him, money on him, his car keys, so we're looking for why this happened," said North Miami public information officer Neil Cuevas.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Bell had appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam recently. Bell was known as "Da Real One," and had also been featured on Rick Ross' and Pit Bull's albums.

Bell had been on the wrong side of the law in the past. He had been arrested for exploiting a disabled or elderly person and for writing a worthless check.

Police said that several customers at the lounge were in the area at the time of the shooting.

"If you all know anything, seen anything, please come forward," said his half-sister Sandra Vicks who was barely able to speak. "Please. Please. He didn't deserve this. He didn't."

They ask that if you have any information about the shooting death to call North Miami Police at 305-891-8111 or Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 305-371-TIPS.

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