Cuban Man from Hialeah Appears in Court Twice in a Month for Separate Crimes

Reinaldo Trujillo Sánchez, a 28-year-old Cuban residing in Hialeah, finds himself entangled in legal troubles after being charged in two separate criminal cases within a single month. Both incidents involve attempted murder and armed robbery.

Second Court Appearance: Gas Station Shooting

The most recent incident to be addressed in court is an attempted murder that occurred on January 29 at a Mobil gas station in northwest Miami-Dade, specifically at the intersection of 27th Avenue and 102nd Street, as reported by America Tevé. According to the arrest report and security footage, Trujillo-Sánchez approached a man with whom he seemingly had a prior dispute.

The two engaged in a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into violence. Surveillance video captured Trujillo-Sánchez drawing a silver gun, striking the victim on the head with the weapon's butt, and then firing shots, hitting the victim in the chest and left arm. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue rushed the victim to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he received treatment for serious gunshot wounds.

The assailant was identified thanks to the victim, who recognized him in a photo lineup provided by the authorities. Last Thursday, Reinaldo Trujillo Sánchez appeared in court for this case, where he was formally charged with second-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Judge Mindy S. Glazer questioned, "Why do you have a weapon if you don't even have legal status in this country?"

The judge found probable cause for a second-degree attempted murder charge and ruled that the Cuban national is to be held without bail.

First Arrest: Financial Dispute Leads to Gunfire

This is not Trujillo Sánchez's only legal battle. On April 10, he had already appeared in Miami-Dade's criminal court due to his involvement in another violent incident involving firearms. This conflict stemmed from a financial dispute with an acquaintance.

According to the police investigation, Trujillo Sánchez didn't have a bank account, so he had arranged with the victim—a person he had known for a few months—to use their account for depositing and withdrawing money. The issue arose when Trujillo claimed he had deposited $1,000 into the account, but the transaction never appeared for the victim.

During a heated argument inside the victim's vehicle, the victim noticed Trujillo carrying a firearm and asked him to leave the car. A struggle ensued, during which the gun discharged, wounding the victim in both legs. After the shooting, Trujillo fled the scene but was soon found and arrested near 7th Street and 7th Avenue in northwest Miami.

For this incident, he was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Current Legal Status: No Bail and Immigration Hold

Reinaldo Trujillo Sánchez remains in custody at the Metrowest Detention Center following his initial arrest. He faces charges in two separate cases, both involving armed violence and serious injuries to the victims. His legal situation is further complicated by an immigration hold, meaning his immigration status will be reviewed once the criminal charges are resolved.

The accused refused to cooperate with detectives during the gas station shooting investigation, and his recent history indicates a concerning pattern of violent behavior. Authorities have kept the cases open, and Trujillo Sánchez is expected to appear in court again this week.