Pedro Blanco, a 55-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Cuban national Yoendris Campos at an apartment complex in Hialeah, will remain in jail without bail, as ruled by Judge Mindy Glazer of Miami-Dade County on Wednesday. The decision came during his initial court appearance, where he was formally charged with first-degree murder. Authorities have classified the crime as premeditated and intentional, thus ruling out the possibility of bail during the criminal proceedings.
The state prosecutor argued that the severity of the crime and the circumstances of the shooting warranted keeping Blanco in custody. He explained that the accused went to his apartment to retrieve a weapon, returned to his neighbor's door, and shot directly, eliminating any notion of self-defense or impulsive action. Local 10 confirmed that Pedro de Jesús Blanco, the alleged perpetrator, is also of Cuban descent.
The murder took place on Tuesday, May 13, around 3:00 p.m., at the building located at 710 East 9th Street, where 33-year-old Campos was visiting a friend. According to Hialeah police, the attack was captured on a security camera, which was instrumental in pressing charges. The footage shows Blanco knocking on the door of apartment 202 with a bag in hand, concealing the weapon inside. After receiving no response, he returned to his residence, and when Campos opened the door, Blanco quickly returned, raised his arm, and fired a single shot.
"The fact that he concealed the weapon and returned after receiving no response indicates a planned action," stated a spokesperson for the Hialeah Police Department. Blanco was immediately arrested, and upon searching his apartment, officers found the murder weapon and a bullet casing in the kitchen trash can. The accused did not resist arrest.
During the hearing, the victim's family members were present, demanding justice. "We want justice to be served, for that man to pay for what he did. He took away someone very dear to us, a father, a cousin, a worker," a relative told local media. Yoendris Campos, who emigrated from Havana seven years ago, left behind a young daughter in Cuba. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the next court date expected to be set in the coming weeks.
Legal Proceedings in Hialeah Murder Case
Why was bail denied for Pedro Blanco?
Bail was denied due to the premeditated nature of the crime and the seriousness of the charges, which include first-degree murder.
What evidence was used to charge Pedro Blanco?
Security camera footage capturing the incident and the discovery of the murder weapon in Blanco's apartment were key pieces of evidence.
Who was Yoendris Campos?
Yoendris Campos was a 33-year-old Cuban who emigrated from Havana seven years ago and left behind a young daughter in Cuba.