MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – One week after the horrific shooting of a tourist on Ocean Drive, more than two dozen people gathered for a vigil to honor the victim.
It happened Tuesday evening at Lummus Park, near 14th Street in Miami Beach.
“He was a stranger, but then he was not a stranger the day that he was killed in our own backyard,” said Miami Beach resident and organizer Irene Bigger. “We take it very personally.”
“It’s sad. I’m glad everyone’s coming out,” said resident Kevin Green.
Dustin Wakefield, 21, was sitting outside at La Cerveceria de Barrio with his family and infant son on Tuesday, Aug, 24 when a gunman opened fire.
Witnesses said Wakefield shielded his family from the gunfire.
Police arrested the suspect, Tamarius Davis, within minutes.
Wakefield’s heartbroken widow spoke to Local 10 on Monday about the horrible tragedy.
South Beach residents and several political candidates were in attendance for Tuesday’s vigil.
“We’ve had a lot of casualties of crime in our neighborhood. And we’re a community that is not only grieving for Dustin’s family but we’re grieving for our community,” Bigger said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family. Click here to see details and donate.