Cops: Miami teen killed rabbi in robbery attempt
MIAMI --Police have named the suspected gunman in the 2014 murder of a New York rabbi in Miami they say was killed during a robbery.
Rabbi Joseph Raksin was fatally shot Aug. 9, 2014, as he walked to a temple in Miami, where he had been visiting family. The suspected killer, 15-year-old DeAndre Charles, was charged Tuesday with first degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said at a Wednesday news conference.
Charles will be tried as an as adult.
Rundle said Raksin was confronted by two men and shot in the chest with a handgun as he walked to temple that day to observe the Sabbath. She said Raksin was a deeply religious Orthodox Jew who was carrying nothing of value and he walked to the synagogue, in keeping with his religious beliefs.
Raksin's family stood by as Rundle announced the murder charge.
"I can tell you, [Raksin's family] have exhibited such bravery and such patience during their troubled time," Rundle said. "They have just stood steady and believed in us and believed we would find some measure of justice for their terrible loss."
Raksin's daughter Shuli Labkowski described Raksin as a kind and caring father whose life was cut short by violence as he visited family and grandchildren.
""His murder at the hands of thugs has caused an emptiness and a void that cannot be replaced," she said.
Charles' family maintained his innocence to CBS Miami, saying the high school freshman was at home the night of the murder. "He's a good child," said Blair Charles, the suspect's mother.
Police say they are still searching for other possible suspects who may be connected to the crime.
