Outpouring Of Love For Young Father Gunned Down In Miami Gardens
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - There's been a huge outpouring of love for a young father who was gunned down in Miami Gardens over the weekend.
Friends and family of John Oscar came together to share their grief and anger at what they called a senseless act of gun violence.
A makeshift memorial filled with candles, stuffed animals and a Haitian flag now mark the spot of where the accident happened. And on Monday morning, CBS4'S Peter D'Oench spoke with Oscar's older sister and father before he met with detectives inside Miami Police headquarters.
"He was only 23 and it is just too soon for me," said Oscar's rather Jhonyan Oscar. "It was too soon."
Police said Oscar was driving westbound on NW 151st Street early Saturday morning when he was shot. A critically injured Oscar smashed into a fence at the corner of Sultan Avenue and Oriental Boulevard where he died.
"It's a devastation, " said Oscar. "It is really destroying our hearts, especially my wife. He was a good person. Not only was he a good person, he had a heart."
Police records show Oscar had been arrested in the past on charges of grand theft and aggravated assault with a firearm. Investigators are trying to determine if his criminal history played a role in his murder.
"I have no direct idea but God knows," said Oscar. "What he was doing was business."
Oscar was a driver for Rashawn Welch who owns the luxury car service 305 Elite. He said Oscar started driving for him about four years ago.
Welch said Oscar was driving home after dropping off a few customers when he was shot.
"It hurts," he said. "It hurts. I am at a loss for words even though this happened Saturday morning. I don't know why this happened or why someone hurt someone trying to make a living. We wish someone would come forward and give us the right information."
Welch showed us how Oscar had even written his Instagram name on his car, ironically to show his support to end gun violence.
Oscar's sister Julienna Oscar said her brother may have had some trouble in the past but he came from a religious family.
"That's my brother, that's my brother, he was close to my heart," she said. "I would sayd God is in good shape, he gave him to us, now he's called him to heaven."
The family wants justice and the person responsible to do the right thing.
"I hope that person comes back and let them know that he did it and pays the consequences," said Jhonyan Oscar. "If you know something, if you know what is going on, explain it to the authorities."
Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471 -TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $3,000.
