MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed Friday night in Northwest Miami-Dade County, police said.
Family members identified the victim Saturday as Claudel Pinder.
Miami-Dade Police said a gunman shot Pinder just after 8 p.m. inside the Trinidad Trailer Park at 8202 Northwest Miami Court.
The gunman fled in a white car, police said. Witnesses described it as a newer-model Jaguar.
His mother said Pinder -- one of six children -- had a good heart, but he let his friends influence him.
"I just want who did that to my child to give up themselves," she said.
Johanne DeJesus, a neighbor, said she was at home Friday evening when she heard at least six gunshots and ran outside. DeJesus saw the car speeding off and found Pinder on the ground bleeding. She said Pinderwas shot multiple times and died as she tried to get help.
"I have never experienced something like that before. It was a little traumatic," DeJesus said. "No one deserves to die."
"I hate it have to come to this, but the Lord knows best," said Junior Pinder, Claudel Pinder's father. "This week wasn't very easy for me, because I knew something was going to happen."
Claudel Pinder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Claudel Pinder's mother has a message for other parents who may be experiencing similar struggles of trying to keep their child on the right path: "Get to know their friends, because if I was putting more interest in his friends and who he's talking to, he probably wouldn't be there where he is today."
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.