Justice Served: Miami Man Gets 32 Years After Shooting Ex While She Took Son to School

Miami, FL (33135) — A Miami man has been sentenced to 32 years in state prison after being found guilty of shooting his ex-girlfriend in front of her 6-year-old child during a school drop-off in Little Havana, officials confirmed Friday.

The incident, which occurred outside Coral Way K–8 Center near SW 12th Avenue and Flagler Street, shocked the local community and prompted renewed discussions about domestic violence and school-zone safety.

According to prosecutors, the woman was walking her son to the school entrance in March 2024 when the shooter approached and opened fire. She survived the attack after being rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, while her son witnessed the entire incident.

“This was a calculated, violent act carried out in front of a child, and the impact is lifelong,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “This sentence delivers justice, but the trauma this family endured is permanent.”

The shooter, whose name has not been publicly released pending appeal, was convicted on multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and child endangerment.

Community Still Shaken

Parents at Coral Way K–8 say the trauma still lingers more than a year later.

“We still remember that day,” said María López, a parent at the school. “The fear in that boy’s scream — we still talk about it at drop-off.”

Security was tightened in the weeks following the shooting, and the school district has since installed additional surveillance cameras and coordinated with local law enforcement for routine patrols during high-traffic times.

Rising Domestic Violence Concerns

This marks the fourth incident involving domestic violence near a Miami-Dade school since early 2023, according to public safety reports.

Local advocacy groups are now pushing for school-zone-specific protective orders and increased resources for survivors of domestic abuse.

“If someone threatens your safety, even once, please take it seriously and reach out,” said Detective Carla Jiménez with the Miami Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.

Resources Available:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

• Miami-Dade Police Victim Services: (305) 603-6640

• Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119

• Miami Trauma Services: (305) 585-7273

The court is expected to release the official sentencing transcript early next week. The victim, though still recovering, issued a brief statement saying, “I survived. But my son will never forget that day.”