This past Monday, a federal jury convicted three individuals involved in the attempted murder of Alex Vega, a renowned car designer, on August 27, 2019, in front of his home in Kendale Lakes, Miami. Rolando "Roly" Ramírez, Rasheed "Free" Ali, and Tamrat "Shifta" Mason were found guilty after a three-week trial that featured shocking testimonies, incriminating electronic evidence, and years of escalating tension between Vega and the accused.
Ramírez and Ali face life imprisonment for orchestrating and carrying out the murder-for-hire plot, while Mason was convicted on charges of witness tampering. Vega, who attended the trial daily, shared his relief and gratitude upon hearing the verdict.
"First and foremost, I thank God for sparing my life and my family for their unwavering support during these challenging times. My appreciation also goes out to the FBI's Miami division, the federal prosecutors, and everyone who assisted me throughout this ordeal," Vega stated in a heartfelt Instagram post. "This has been an incredibly difficult experience, and my life has been forever altered. However, I am relieved to see justice served [...] I thank my guardian angel for protecting me from seven bullets that could have killed or paralyzed me. [...] I hope they spend the rest of their lives in prison," he added.
A Tale of Rivalry, Business, and Revenge
The attempt on Vega's life can be traced back to a fractured professional relationship between Alex Vega, 50, and Rolando Ramírez, 52, former partners and competitors in the high-stakes luxury vehicle customization industry in Miami. Financial disagreements over the Exclusive Motoring Worldwide workshop, which Vega sold to Ramírez to settle debts, escalated into a personal and legal feud.
In 2011, a lawsuit culminated in a settlement where Ramírez paid Vega $25,000, with $20,000 coming from his insurer. Although Ramírez retained the business and its trademark, Vega reported receiving threats.
"In due time. I will kill you," Ramírez allegedly told Vega after the settlement, according to Vega's testimony.
The Failed 2019 Execution Attempt
On the morning of August 27, 2019, while Vega sat in his Land Rover at his Kendale Lakes home, a masked assailant approached and shot him three times. Miraculously, Vega survived.
"It's tough when you're ambushed and shot, thinking you're going to die, and it happens in front of your family. You have to show them your strength," Vega said in a recent interview with Local 10. Since then, his life has dramatically changed: "Every time I drive, wherever I go, I need security. [...] They go everywhere with me, always by my side, capable of detecting gunpowder. It changes your way of living; you must be cautious."
The Trial: Evidence, Testimonies, and Verdicts
Throughout the trial, Vega delivered compelling testimony, recounting past threats, presenting electronic evidence (messages, videos, covert payments), and detailing the attack.
The jury deliberated for seven hours before delivering their verdict:
Ramírez and Ali were found guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, interstate stalking, use of firearms, and witness tampering. Both face life sentences. Tamrat Mason, 41, was convicted of witness tampering, potentially facing up to 20 years, though a lighter sentence is anticipated.
The reading of the verdict was fraught with tension. In the courtroom, the defendants' families and friends wept upon hearing the word "guilty" repeated three times. For Vega, however, it was a moment of vindication:
"I told them I'd give them the best gift: hearing those 'guilty, guilty, guilty' words and knowing everything my family has endured. There was no greater feeling in the world."
Awaiting Final Justice
Five years after the attack, Alex Vega can finally speak openly. His message is clear:
"I've waited five years to speak out. [...] There are bad people, and we must be very careful. [...] We should remain vigilant of our surroundings and keep our circle tight."
The final sentencing is set for August 19, 2025, and will mark the last step in the pursuit of complete justice.
Understanding the Case Against Alex Vega's Assailants
What were the main charges against Ramírez and Ali?
Ramírez and Ali were convicted of several charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, interstate stalking, use of firearms, and witness tampering.
How did Vega survive the 2019 shooting?
Alex Vega survived the shooting despite being hit three times, attributing his survival to his "guardian angel" who protected him from what could have been fatal shots.