Father Of Man Killed Over Parking: 'I Want To Know The Truth'
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The father of a man who witnesses say was gunned down as a result of a fight over a parking space this past weekend outside a Miami nightclub is speaking out for the first time, saying "I want to know who killed my son."
"I want to know the truth," said Jose Solis, whose oldest son, 33-year-old Jackson Solis, was shot in the chest and killed early Saturday morning across the street from "El Secreto," a nightclub on N.W. 7th St. near N.W. 17th Avenue and just a few blocks west of Marlins Park.
Miami Police and Miami Fire Rescue responded to the scene at 2:47 a.m. Solis was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center where he died from his injuries.
Jackson Solis had a 10-year-old son and worked for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. Family members say he came to the U.S. from Nicaragua when he was very young.
Speaking from his home and shedding tears, Jose Solis told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "I can't believe it was my son. It is hard for me to accept this situation. I want to know the truth. Why did this guy kill my son. I don't believe it was just those two. I believe that more than two people were involved."
He went on to say, "Nobody said anything to me about what cause this but the only thing they did say was that this involved a parking spot. That's what I know about this situation. My son was a very good person. He worked for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. I feel terrible that they killed my son."
"I want to know who killed him," he said. "I want this guy to go to prison. If someone would call police, this could take this person to justice so he would pay for his crime. I want justice for me and the family. I know it's not going to bring my son back but this would make him pay for his crime."
D'Oench also spoke with one of Solis's cousins, who did not want to give his name and wanted only to show part of his face.
The cousin said, "It's surreal. We are shocked trying to figure out why this happened. We are devastated. If this really was over a parking space, it just kills me. What a silly thing to die for. If anyone has seen this guy, please come forward and tell police. Anything would help."
On Saturday, a man who identified himself as "Martin," said he was going to the club with Solis when the situation turned violent.
"It was a quarrel over a parking spot," he said. "As I'm coming in, I see them arguing. It was a dark pickup truck. I went inside instead of helping my brother and her got shot man."
Miguel Marena, a witness, said, "It looked like it was over a parking space. It definitely looked like it wasn't worth it. For all the spots that are out there, it just wasn't worth it for a parking space."
On Saturday night, members of Solis's family and friends cried and prayed at a candlelight vigil across the street from the nightclub at the same spot where Solis lost his life.
Miami Police say they have some leads. They believe the shooter was in a dark colored pickup truck that is possibly a Ford F-150.
Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
There's a reward of up to $3,000.
