A suspect has been arrested on Monday night following an alleged shooting incident that resulted in the death of a victim inside a home in Miami Gardens, as confirmed by the police on Wednesday.
Miami Gardens police officers were called to a residence near the 3600 block of Northwest 203rd Street shortly before 10:30 p.m. following a report of a shooting.
The shooting suspect, identified as 45-year-old Marvin McDonald, was swiftly located and apprehended by authorities outside the home.
According to the publicly released report, McDonald spontaneously made statements to the officers, which were recorded on police body camera video. However, the exact comments he made have been redacted.
According to the police, an eyewitness who was on the phone outside the house reported that McDonald arrived at the scene. The witness stated that McDonald appeared to be intoxicated and was holding a nearly empty bottle of alcohol.
According to investigators, the witness claimed that McDonald approached him and brought up past issues, declaring, “I’m prepared to die today.” McDonald also accused the individuals in the house of considering themselves to be murderers.
According to the report, McDonald allegedly cocked a gun and re-entered the home moments later. The witness heard multiple gunshots.
While seeking refuge, the witness reported hearing McDonald assert his actions were in self-defense, according to the authorities. Once the witness returned to the house, they discovered the victim lying motionless on the bathroom floor, as noted in the report.
According to the police, a second witness, who was in bed with his girlfriend, reported that the victim entered their bedroom and warned them to be quiet before closing the door.
According to the police, McDonald was informed of his Miranda rights and chose not to make a statement, opting to request the presence of an attorney. The authorities observed a swollen area on the victim’s forehead, although it is still unclear how it is related to the shooting.
During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence. They made a significant discovery when they found a .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun resting on the living room sofa. Additionally, three empty .45-caliber cartridge casings were found in close proximity to where the victim had been located. Recognizing the importance of this evidence, investigators promptly impounded both the weapon and the casings.
McDonald remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he is currently facing charges of second-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and illegal use of a weapon while committing a felony. The determination of bond information is pending.
Police have not revealed any information regarding the gender, age, or identity of the victim. Currently, the motive behind the shooting and the relationship between the victim and McDonald remain unknown.