A decade after a man was shot and killed while walking home in North Miami Beach, police believe they’ve arrested a suspect involved in the cold case killing.
Damian Williams, 34, was arrested Saturday in connection with the Oct. 1, 2015 murder of Annex Jean, North Miami Beach Police officials said.
Police held a news conference Thursday to announce the arrest.
Damian Williams
Jean had been walking home when he was ambushed and shot multiple times near a strip mall parking lot off 167th Street. The 31-year-old died from his injuries.
Police said about a year ago, their cold case unit received a promising lead and reopened the case.
Detectives re-examined evidence, re-interviewed witnesses, and pursued new leads which led them to William, who they described as a known gang member.
Williams was arrested in Broward County and had a gun and ammo when he was found, authorities said.
At the news conference, a detective said Williams had been a person of interest after the killing but there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him at the time.
“This arrest reflects the dedication and determination of our Cold Case Unit and our department’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and their families, regardless of how much time has passed,” North Miami Beach Police Chief Juan Pinillos said. “We remain steadfast in our mission to bring closure to the family of Annex Jean.”
Williams faces charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
He’s expected to be extradited to Miami-Dade.
Police said the killing remains under investigation and there are still arrests that are possibly pending.
At the news conference, a statement from Jean’s family was read.
“For ten years, my family has lived with heartbreak and unanswered questions. Monday, we finally received justice for my brother,” the statement said. “He was loved, needed and he is missed every single day. Our pain doesn’t disappear, but the truth gives us light again.”
Comments are closed.