MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities have identified the victims in a triple shooting that left one woman dead and two children critically injured in northeast Miami-Dade over the weekend.
According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies, 36-year-old Desiree Brown was killed when gunmen opened fire on her black SUV near the intersection of Northeast 141st Street and Northeast Second Court in the Biscayne Gardens area early Saturday morning.
Her 11-year-old daughter, Reagan Bowens, and a 12-year-old boy, who was only identified as the son of Brown’s boyfriend, were both rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Reagan’s grandmother and Brown’s mother, Fannie Marshall, told Local 10 News on Monday that Raegan opened her eyes last night and was able to nod her head after being placed in a coma. However, the family says she still doesn’t know that her mother didn’t survive the shooting.
“I don’t think words can describe how I feel,” Marshall told Local 10 News on Saturday. “I can tell you it ripped my heart out.”
The family of three had been sitting in their SUV around 1 a.m. Saturday when, investigators say, multiple gunmen opened fire, riddling the vehicle with bullets.
Authorities said Brown worked as a Transportation Security Administration agent and was honored as Employee of the Month at Miami International Airport in October 2023 for helping a light-headed traveler. She was featured in a TSA spotlight video.
“I think it’s good to be nice,” Brown said in the clip. “Sometimes you can ask people if they’re OK or not and try to encourage everyone to do the same — be nice.”
Brown shared two children with Reagan’s father, who declined to speak on camera but said his focus remains entirely on Reagan.
He shared a photo of her taken just hours before the shooting.
He also confirmed to Local 10 News that Reagan is a sixth grader at Arthur and Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts. Her family says she loves to dance and shared a video of her performing.
As Reagan continues her recovery, her grandmother is pleading with the community.
“If anybody know anything, hear anything, seen anything, whatever it is, contact the police department,” Marshall said.
Deputies believe at least two shooters were involved and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Reagan’s father described his daughter as “the most affectionate,” adding that she always checks on him — even while she is at school.
MDSO confirmed Monday morning that investigators are still working to determine what led up to the shooting.
Authorities believe Brown and her children may not have been the intended targets. They said the SUV they were in belonged to Brown’s boyfriend.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the MDSO at 305-471-1780 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.