NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The family of a 36-year-old man who was killed while rollerblading in North Miami Beach last month held a press conference Friday as detectives continue their search for a suspect or suspects.
Authorities said Wilton “Frieza” Mena came home from work on Oct. 1 and went rollerblading just after 2 a.m. in the area of Northeast 167th Street and 18th Avenue when he was shot to death.
Mena is survived by his wife and two boys, ages 8 and 3.
“We know somebody heard something, somebody saw something, and we need you to come forward. This is a family that is hurting and needs answers,” said Juan Pinillos, an interim police chief with the North Miami Beach Police Department.
Police released surveillance video Friday showing the moments before they said Mena was shot to death.
After being shot, authorities said Mena’s body was found several hours later by two children walking to school. One of them called 911.
Yokasta, Wilton Mena’s aunt, spoke through tears at Friday’s press conference, urging any witnesses to come forward to bring justice to their family.
“He was not just a nephew; he was a father, brother, and grandson. Our family is heartbroken. He had two kids, and they need justice. We’re begging for someone to call and say something that can give us the justice he deserves. My family was killed; tomorrow it could be yours.”
His sister, Cindy Mena, spoke exclusively with Local 10 News last month, saying, “There’s no sign of why that happened,” as they struggle to understand the senseless tragedy.
“He was always helping them with homework. He was a very good father,” she added. “It’s very hard. We were siblings… this is devastating.”
Wilton Mena, a well-known local barber, was loved by many in the community.
North Miami Beach police have released few details about the incident, but noted that Mena’s phone was stolen, and the investigation is ongoing. The family has no indication that Wilton Mena had any enemies or conflicts.
Before bed each night, Wilton Mena would read the Bible with his boys, a ritual the family says they’ll miss deeply.
The family continues to pray for answers as police ask the public for any information that could help bring justice.
A motive remains unclear at this time.
Mena’s family created a GoFundMe account to help pay for his funeral expenses. Click here if you would like to contribute.
Anyone with information that leads to an arrest or arrests will be eligible for a $5,000 reward and should contact Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 or visit CrimeStoppers305.com. All tips can remain anonymous.
Local 10 viewers can watch the press conference in the video below.