Chastidy Charlotte Rodríguez, a 35-year-old mother of Dominican descent, was discovered dead inside a vehicle in downtown Miami, alongside Darius Coon, also deceased. Both were victims of multiple gunshot wounds. The incident took place on the morning of Saturday, July 19, within a van parked at 230 Northeast 4th Street, confirmed by the Miami Police Department.
Rodríguez, who lived in New York, had traveled to Miami for work purposes where she was employed as a dancer at a nightclub. Her disappearance was reported by friends and family after she failed to answer phone calls. Her friend, Francheska Martínez, mentioned she was the last person to speak with Rodríguez, shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Thursday.
“I knew someone from Detroit was coming, whom she was expecting... she met this person at one of the clubs where she worked,” Martínez shared in an interview with Telemundo 51. “She had been spending practically two days with this person,” she added.
The news of Rodríguez's disappearance spurred an intense search by her loved ones. Her brother, Randy Parra, flew from New York, hoping to find her alive. It was he who confirmed the heartbreaking news after contacting Darius Coon’s family, who had also reported him missing in Detroit. “We received a message saying they found the car with two bodies,” he recounted.
Preliminary reports indicate both bodies suffered several gunshot wounds, but authorities have yet to disclose a possible motive for the crime. Investigators are considering the involvement of a third party, as Coon is not believed to be responsible for Rodríguez's death. “We want justice and the reasons why,” expressed Rodríguez's brother in statements to Univision.
Friends and family described Rodríguez, who had recently relocated to Miami, as a joyful person dedicated to her child. “She was the best mother; she was a good mother to my nephew,” her brother recalled. During a memorial service held in her honor in New York, her loved ones demanded answers.
Miami's homicide detectives are actively pursuing the investigation. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Crimestoppers anonymously.
Understanding the Miami Shooting Incident
Who were the victims found in the Miami shooting?
The victims were Chastidy Charlotte Rodríguez, a 35-year-old mother from New York, and Darius Coon, both found shot to death in a parked van in downtown Miami.
What led to the discovery of the bodies in Miami?
The discovery followed a report of Rodríguez's disappearance by her friends and family after she stopped responding to calls. Her brother confirmed the tragic news after contacting the family of Darius Coon.
Are there any suspects in the Miami shooting?
As of now, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a third party's involvement, as Darius Coon is not considered responsible for Rodríguez's death.