HIALEAH, Fla. – Hialeah police responded to a domestic shooting that they say left a man dead Wednesday morning.
Sky 10 flew over the scene just before 9 a.m. where crime scene technicians were examining two vehicles in a parking lot and gathering evidence at a home near West 13th Lane and 46th Street.
Lt. Eddie Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Hialeah Police Department, said Victoria Marie Gonzalez, 25, and her friend, Omar Jamal Huggins, 23, were at the residence when her ex-boyfriend, Christian Rueda, 26, arrived at the home uninvited.
Detectives said moments later, Rueda confronted Huggins and began to attack him.
Rodriguez confirmed that Huggins informed Rueda of his possession of a weapon, which led to a confrontation.
Huggins, who at the time was legally carrying a concealed firearm, tried to stop the attack, but police said Rueda tried to grab the gun away from him and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle, police said the gun went off, striking and killing Rueda.
Huggins and Gonzalez were both transported to Hialeah police headquarters, where Rodriguez said they were interviewed by detectives.
“Ms. Gonzalez and Mr. Huggins both fully cooperated with the investigation, and it was determined that this was a case of self-defense and thus, a justifiable shooting,” Rodriguez confirmed.
Police said both vehicles were towed following the incident for further investigation.
Detectives confirmed Rueda had a “long criminal history” that included stalking, harassment and a previous domestic battery charge involving Gonzalez.
Police said the investigation has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for final review.