The mother of an 11-year-old girl has spoken about the distressing event that took place on Wednesday, July 22, at Quail Roost Park in southwest Miami-Dade. The incident involved 56-year-old Edeimi Edenildo Alfonso-Rodríguez, a Cuban national, who allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior while watching her daughter play on the swings.
In an interview with reporter Tayana García from Univisio, the family expressed the shock and sorrow they felt after the park, a daily part of their routine, became the backdrop for an alleged sexual offense against their child.
Emotional Repercussions and Family's Reaction
The mother vividly described her emotions upon learning about the incident, stating, "Anger, pain, discomfort. The least you expect is for your child to be playing and then for a man to do such a thing in a park where thousands of children play."
Quail Roost Park was integral to their daily lives, making the incident even more upsetting. "We literally come to this park every day," she emphasized, highlighting the disruption to their sense of safety.
According to her account, Alfonso-Rodríguez arrived in his vehicle and parked near the park, positioning himself under the slide. This spot was hidden from adults' view but provided a direct line of sight to the children. Witnesses claim he remained there for about 30 minutes before being discovered.
Immediate Aftermath and Arrest
The emotional impact on her daughter was significant. "She's traumatized. The first thing she said to me was, 'I don't want to see him.' That's already a trauma for my daughter," the mother explained, evidencing the deep psychological harm caused by the alleged predator.
When other parents realized what was happening, they confronted the suspect, who fled the scene. The family acted swiftly, with the father pursuing him while contacting the police. "My husband went after him, calling the police. We gave the police all the information to find him. They found him after he had changed clothes. He knew what he was doing," recounted the mother.
Alfonso-Rodríguez was apprehended later that night at 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of SW 113 Place and SW 189 Terrace, in Miami. He had changed his attire since his time at the park.
Concerns About Intentions and Legal Proceedings
Beyond the immediate incident, the mother voiced deeper concerns regarding the suspect's intentions. "He parked the car with the back seats down. You don't know what his intentions were. Was he planning to harm like he did, or was he planning to take a child?" she questioned with palpable worry.
Alfonso-Rodríguez appeared in court on July 23, facing charges of lewd exhibition before a minor under Florida Statute 800.04(7)(A)(B). This second-degree felony could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. His bail was set at $7,500, with only 10% required for release. He remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with an active immigration hold.
This troubling event is part of a larger pattern in South Florida. In April 2026, three Cubans were detained for indecent exposure at Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah. Additionally, in November 2025, ICE arrested a 72-year-old Cuban in Miami identified as a sexual predator.
In response to this trend, Florida enacted stricter criminal laws in July 2026. These include prohibiting convicted offenders from living within 1,000 feet of parks and playgrounds and imposing harsher penalties for crimes against minors.
Key Questions About Park Safety and Legal Measures
What measures are in place to protect children in parks?
Florida has enacted laws prohibiting offenders from living near parks and playgrounds and imposes severe penalties for crimes against minors to enhance child safety.
What charges does Alfonso-Rodríguez face?
Alfonso-Rodríguez faces charges of lewd exhibition before a minor, a second-degree felony under Florida law, carrying potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.