Victim in Miami Shooting Identified as Eduardo Rivero, Killed by His Half-Brother

Eduardo Rivero, an employee at a used car dealership in southwest Miami-Dade, has been identified as the fatal victim of a shooting that occurred on Thursday. Rivero was killed by gunfire from his half-brother, whose identity remains undisclosed. The incident, which also left two others seriously injured, took place at Priced Right Motors located at 7321 SW 45th Street, an area bustling with traffic near Tropical Park.

Known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to his job, Rivero was shot multiple times while at work. Despite being rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His family publicly confirmed his identity to local media. One of his brothers, visibly distressed, broke down in tears on camera. "The shooter is alive and has taken my younger brother's life. My little brother's name was Eduardo Rivero. He killed my little brother," he said, his voice breaking.

The Familial Conflict Behind the Shooting

Authorities have identified the shooter as Roberto Leyva, Rivero's half-brother. According to reports from Univision, Leyva stormed into the dealership with a weapon and opened fire on Rivero and another unnamed individual. During a subsequent exchange of gunfire with police, Leyva was critically wounded.

Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz indicated that the incident stemmed from longstanding "family issues." She emphasized that it was an act of domestic violence rather than a random attack. A family insider told Telemundo 51 that the alleged shooter struggled with drug and pill addictions and had a history of firearm possession. The source also mentioned that Leyva felt like the "black sheep of the family," fueling his resentment. A brother of the aggressor revealed to the media that Leyva aimed to cause pain to their 69-year-old mother, which might have driven the violent outcome.

Witnesses Describe the Chaotic Scene

The shooting sparked terror not only within the dealership but also in nearby businesses. Across the street, Ídol Cheer Academy, where several children and their parents were present, became a trap during the chaos. "There were 20 girls, we huddled in a corner outside the door, and then we heard what seemed like three rounds of gunfire, multiple shots. It stopped, paused, and then started again," Karen Báez, a witness, recounted to Telemundo 51. Another parent described it as a surreal moment where "everything freezes, and you don't know how to react, hearing the screams of my daughter filled me with terror."

Witnesses agreed on the sound of multiple gunfire bursts, separated by brief silences, which heightened the panic. Videos from the scene showed officers running with guns drawn, evacuating people with their hands raised while securing the area.

Swift Police Response and Lockdown

Following a 911 call, rapid response units were immediately dispatched. SWAT teams, K-9 units, and patrols from various agencies sealed off streets between SW 70th to 75th Avenues and SW 40th to 48th Streets, turning the area into a critical operation zone. Authorities recovered a long rifle and a handgun used during the attack. A shootout between the assailant and the police was also reported, during which Leyva was subdued.

Meanwhile, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital became a focal point of anxiety. According to medical sources, all three victims arrived in critical condition. The tension among waiting relatives escalated quickly, with some weeping and others silently comforting each other as the hospital doors closed to manage the internal emergency. "Ambulances kept arriving one after the other," a witness told Noticias 23. Police also increased security at the hospital fearing further incidents.

Priced Right Motors remains closed as the investigation continues, with authorities striving to uncover all the details that led to this tragic event.