Reward Offered For Information On Murder Of Pregnant Woman
MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – Miami Gardens police have announced a reward and distributed fliers around the community where a pregnant woman was murdered Sunday.
Crime tape still waved in the wind and neighbors remained nervous near NW 32nd Avenue and NW 181st Street where the shooting took place just after 2 p.m. Sunday.
"I'm still a little in shock what happened yesterday," neighbor Betty McAfee told CBS4's Maggie Newland. "It was a few shots but you know they're enough to scare me."
Police said Qualecia James was the victim of a drive-by shooting.
Detectives said James was a passenger in the car. The driver and another passenger inside of the car were not injured.
"The people who done this, I guarantee one day you're gonna pay for it," said Leroy James, Qualecia's father.
Police said James was seven months pregnant and the baby was delivered, but is in critical condition.
According to James' mother, the family is calling the newborn KJ. Monday afternoon, she said the little boy was "still fighting."
James also has a 4-year-old daughter and family members said she was anxiously awaiting the birth of her son.
Just days before James died, she posted some of her plans for the future on Facebook.
"I got my Diploma now it's time to get my degree," she wrote. "I graduated high school with a baby and a 3.33 GPA."
Once her son was born, she wanted to go back to school for her family. Instead her children will grow up without their mom.
"It's a sad day, but I embrace it in a way for the love I had for her," said James, adding, "The last thing we always tell each other 'I love you' and that's the last thing she said to me and the last thing I said to her 'I love you."
Police hope the flyer distribution and request for information will bring new leads.
"If you hear anything or hear any rumors of anything please let us know," said a Miami Gardens police officer as he knocked on a door. "Yes sir, will do," said the occupant of the home to the officer.
"We are actively searching for any witnesses who will be able to help us out in this horrific incident," said Detective Mike Wright. "We need our neighbors to come together and start actually piecing this puzzle together."
"Very sad," said Allen Fuller.
"The family, they grieving," added McAfee. "I hope the best for the future for everybody."
Anyone with information can contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers anonymously at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
The tipster could be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.
