Kristofer Laboy's Shooting by Miami-Dade Police Sparks Family Outrage

Kristofer Lázaro Laboy, a 24-year-old, has been identified as the young man who was fatally shot by a Miami-Dade Sheriff's Department (MDSO) officer during a police operation on Tuesday. His family, deeply distressed, is demanding justice and questioning the official account given by authorities.

The incident began when officers from the MDSO's Robbery Intervention Team attempted to stop a yellow Corvette with tinted windows, which they claimed was driving with "illegal dark tints." According to the official narrative, the driver—Kristofer Laboy—did not comply with the stop order, leading to a chase through several streets in northwest Miami-Dade.

The pursuit concluded in a dead-end at Northwest 85th Street and 4th Court, as reported by Telemundo 51, citing police sources. It was there, they claim, that Laboy exited the vehicle "with a weapon in hand," prompting the officer to shoot. "Our officer had no choice but to use his service weapon," stated MDSO spokesperson Argemis Colomé. A gun was reportedly recovered at the scene near Laboy's body.

Family's Desperate Call and Lack of Police Identification

One of the most poignant aspects of the family's account is the phone call Kristofer made to his father during the chase. In an interview with Univision, his father recounted receiving a frantic call: "He called me 'panicked': 'Dad, I need help, pick me up, I'm being chased, and I don't know by whom'... and then the call dropped."

Kristofer was pursued by three unmarked police vehicles: one white, one red, and one black, not patrol cars. The family insists that Kristofer was unaware he was being chased by the police. "The officers never identified themselves," claimed María Elena Laboy.

Security camera footage obtained by Univision shows three unmarked vehicles following the young man, but no clear signals or verbal commands are heard. "In that video, if you listen closely, you hear nothing. Just the car speeding by, that's it," explained the deceased's father.

Family Claims: "It Was an Execution"

The family not only disputes this version but has publicly accused the police narrative of being riddled with inconsistencies. In an emotional press conference on Thursday, covered by several local media outlets, Laboy's relatives raised their voices demanding clarity, transparency, and justice.

"This was an execution. We will fight this in court. We're already talking to lawyers," stated his cousin Rubén Lugo with indignation.

"My child was educated, loving… they killed him for no reason. The police are not telling the truth," said his grandmother, Gloria Lazo, her voice breaking.

"He wasn't a thug. He was a loving son. Brother. Nephew. We want justice for Kristofer," insisted his aunt, María Elena Laboy.

Another aunt, Marisol Laboy, expressed her grief with heartbreaking words: "I'm paralyzed inside. I don't know how to process this. My heart is shattered. I lost one of my babies. I had seven, now I have six. Because of this coward who took his life."

Who was Kristofer Laboy?

Laboy was a university student who, according to his family, had no criminal record and posed no threat. The night of the incident, he was simply planning to go out with some friends. "The car was rented. He was going to enjoy life. Live his youth," his grandmother explained.

"Kristofer wasn't committing any crime. He shouldn't have died like this," added Anthony Haygood, a family uncle.

Demands for Evidence and Concerns Over Officer's History

The family has demanded to see the body camera footage from the officer who fired the shot. "I'd like to see the body cam. We're going to check everything. We'll bring it to light!" asserted Anthony Haygood.

"There are witnesses we've spoken to who saw what happened, but they're afraid to come forward," added María Elena Laboy.

The officer involved has been identified as Kelvin Cox, a veteran officer with over 23 years in the force. However, his record raises concerns. According to NBC Miami, this is at least the third fatal shooting he has been involved in.

In 2010, Cox shot a man fleeing a house while searching for a robbery suspect. In 2011, he killed Jamal Singletary, who allegedly opened fire on officers after stealing a vehicle. In both cases, the use of force was deemed "justified," and no charges were filed.

In response, María Elena Laboy stated: "This officer is nothing but a trigger-happy thug hiding behind a badge. My nephew didn't deserve this." The police union defended the officer.

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, stated that Laboy "jumped out of the vehicle and aggressively approached [Cox] while pulling a firearm" and "ignored police commands to drop the weapon, leading the officer to fear for his life and open fire."

But for the family, these explanations are insufficient. "I'm sick of the police always covering up stories. This has to stop. Too many families are shattered," denounced Marisol Laboy.

"This Could Have Been Just a Ticket"

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the individual pointed his weapon at the officers. MDSO spokesperson Argemis Colomé deeply regretted the outcome. "At the end of the day, this was a simple traffic stop. This could have been just a ticket, and everyone could have gone home," he said shortly after the tragic event.

In another statement, Colomé emphasized: "Although none of our officers were hurt, this could have been much worse."

Community Demands Justice

In front of Kristofer's grandmother's modest home in northwest Miami, family, friends, and neighbors gathered spontaneously after the young man's death. They brought flowers, hugs, candles, and a sign with a word that sums up the common sentiment: Justice.

The family has already begun contacting lawyers and is preparing for a long legal process. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is in charge of the investigation, and as is customary, the officer has been placed on paid leave.

"They took Kristofer from us, but we won't stay silent," warns the young man's grandmother.