MIAMI – A Miami man spoke exclusively to Local 10 News Monday after he survived a shooting that nearly claimed his life during an apartment fire back in June.
Biotte, 31, who spent a month in the hospital after being shot twice, says he still has nightmares and fears he may be targeted again, but he remains thankful to be alive.
“Thank God I’m here right now,” Biotte said.
Biotte, a former maintenance worker, returned to the site of the now-destroyed Temple Court Apartments in Miami, where police said he was shot by 73-year-old resident Juan Francisco Figueroa on June 10.
It was an emotional moment for Biotte, who was on the verge of tears as he recalled the horrific event.
Biotte told Local 10 News in Spanish that every time he thinks about the shooting, he feels terrible.
The day started like any other until Biotte said he encountered Figueroa in the lobby.
According to Biotte, Figueroa swore at him before pulling out a gun and shooting him without provocation.
“When I was getting to the lobby, he just said ‘F--- you!’ and shot me,” Biotte said.
Police say Figueroa not only shot Biotte but also set fire to the apartment building, forcing elderly residents to flee their homes. Many lost everything in the blaze.
Biotte was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition, underwent multiple surgeries, and spent a month fighting for his life. His cousin, Reynold Romeus, feared he wouldn’t make it.
“I was losing hope of him coming back,” Romeus said. “By the grace of God, he’s still alive.”
Biotte’s recovery is expected to take at least a year. Unable to work, he’s facing mounting bills and struggling to support his 9-year-old son and family in Haiti.
“I want to work,” Biotte said.
His attorney, Ramon Guillen, emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“He came to the United States to live the American dream, but he’s living the American nightmare… gun violence,” Guillen said. “Feder didn’t deserve this.”
Biotte says all he wants is to return to the life he once knew, but he must focus on healing.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Biotte and can be found by clicking here.