Southwest Miami-Dade Shooting Puts Schools on Lockdown

News website www.wsvn.com reports that two Southwest Miami-Dade schools have been put on lockdown as Miami-Dade police search for the subjects involved in a fatal attempted robbery.

According to released reports, Miami-Dade police found a dead man inside of a van. A friend of the deceased man had allegedly been pistol-whipped.

While information on the suspects has not been released, it is likely that if and when arrested, these men will face felony murder as well as armed robbery charges. For the pistol-whipping incident, charges of aggravated battery will likely be included.

In Florida, co-defendants may be charged with felony murder even if one of the co-defendants did not directly contribute to the death of the victim.  That is, if one co-defendant shoots and kills a victim during the course of committing a felony (such as an armed robbery), both co-defendants can be equally responsible under the law.

Since a firearm is alleged to have been used, mandatory sentencing under Florida's 10-20-Life law will apply.

Felony murder with a firearm is a felony that is punishable by life in prison. Therefore, it is a non-bondable offense.  

Felony murder is one of the most serious crimes that a person can be charged with in Florida.  A criminal defense attorney with experience trying murder cases is important, as these cases typically proceed to trial.

Contact me to discuss your case, or the case of a loved one.  I represent clients charged with serious felony offenses in the Miami-Dade and Broward areas.