Mother in Hialeah Gardens Shooting Case Awaits Legal Proceedings

The developing story of a 63-year-old Cuban mother accused of shooting her son during a domestic altercation in Hialeah Gardens is unfolding with new revelations as the judicial process continues.

Grisel Pérez remains in custody without bail, facing a serious charge of domestic violence involving a firearm. Meanwhile, her son, Joel Pineda, 36, is hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Chaotic Sunday Incident

The altercation occurred on Sunday, November 23, at the intersection of NW 88th Avenue and NW 113th Street in Miami-Dade County. Emergency services were alerted to a potential shooting, leading to a swift response from the fire department.

Upon arrival, rescuers found Joel Pineda wounded and airlifted him to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in serious but stable condition.

Grisel Pérez's Account

According to the arrest report, as cited by local media, Pérez informed Hialeah Gardens Police that her son had arrived earlier that day, and she allowed him inside. She noticed he was behaving erratically, seemingly under the influence of drugs.

While seated on the living room sofa, Pineda allegedly brandished a .38 caliber revolver, firing at a decorative glass fireplace.

Tensions escalated, leading to a heated argument. Pérez demanded he leave, but Pineda became aggressive, damaging furniture and firing another shot in the backyard.

Fearing for her safety, Pérez retrieved her own firearm from her bedroom and confronted him again. During the confrontation, she shot her son and immediately contacted 911 for assistance.

Evidence and Weapons Seized

Investigators discovered two firearms at the scene: Joel Pineda’s revolver and the pistol used by his mother. They also obtained footage from an interior security camera positioned by a sliding glass door near the incident site.

The officer leading the investigation stated that the video evidence, reviewed directly from Pérez’s phone, supports her account of the events.

A Troubled Family History

This incident is not the first sign of discord between Pérez and her son. Court records reveal that in January 2020, Grisel Pérez sought a domestic violence restraining order against Joel Pineda, indicating a history of conflict.

Neighbors and relatives recalled this previous episode upon learning about the recent shooting. Elizabeth Brito, a cousin of Pérez, expressed her devastation over the situation, emphasizing that Pérez might have acted in self-defense, citing Pineda’s past struggles with substance abuse.

Legal Proceedings: Held Without Bail

Following her arrest, Grisel Pérez was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGKCC), identified by inmate number 250164963. She faces charges of aggravated battery with bodily harm using a firearm in a domestic context.

During her initial court appearance on Monday, November 24, the presiding judge denied her bail and appointed a public defender. No date has been set for a further hearing to review or update the charges, with the case status marked as “TO BE SET.”

The Hialeah Gardens community is deeply affected by the incident, not only due to the violent act but also because of the emotional and familial complexities involved.

Questions linger: Did Grisel Pérez genuinely fear for her life? How crucial will the security footage be in her defense? Was this a desperate act of self-defense, or an excessive use of force?

As the case continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: a mother is behind bars, her son is gravely injured, and further revelations are anticipated in the days ahead.