HIALEAH, Fla. – A fatal home invasion robbery that took place in Hialeah on Saturday wasn’t exactly random, city police said.
As it turns out, the resident, Michael John Mora, 37, who police say shot and killed one of the four intruders, was targeted because of a fully operational marijuana hydroponics lab that was inside the home, Hialeah police said.
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"The suspects knew this and intended to rob the resident of cash and/or drugs," Sgt. Carl Zogby said in an email.
After a struggle at the home, a Mora fired his weapon, Zogby said.
Ihosdanny Brena Colarte, 25, died, and the three other intruders fled the 1500 block of West 77th St.reet near Miami Lakes.
During the investigation, police obtained a search warrant for the rear of the home, where the marijuana hydroponics lab was found, according to an arrest report.
The lab consisted of two separate rooms containing 123 live plants, an irrigation system, light ballast, three independent air conditioning units, electrical diversion, reflective boards and plant nutrients, the report said.
In total, the report states that about 202 pounds of marijuana were found.
Mora was arrested on two marijuana-related charges.
The investigation into the home invasion and the marijuana lab remains ongoing.