Man Wanted For 2002 Homicide Arrested For Murder Of Sunrise Father
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SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – Sunrise Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for the Monday night murder of a SWAP shop employee who was a father of two little girls.
Sunrise Police Chief John Brooks told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that the suspect, Doderick Woods Smith, had a record with Interpol and was also wanted for the May 2002 murder of a man in Nassau in the Bahamas and was being sought by Bahamian Police.
Brooks credited the tireless efforts of Sunrise Police officers and detectives after 38-year-old Baijnauth Ramsaroop was shot and killed outside Advance Auto Parts at 2320 North University Drive.
"They worked around the clock and I am very happy that this violent person is off the street," said Brooks.
"I am happy this arrest has been made," said Hema Ali, the sister of Ramsaroop. "I am glad he is off the street. It will give the family some closure."
Ramsaroop was the father of two daughters who are three years old and nine years old.
"He was a very loving, happy and hardworking husband," said Shanaz Ramsaroop, the widow of the victim. "He was everything to me. He was a great father who meant so much to me. It helps that this arrest was made but this will not bring him back. I want to see this man suffer and be punished for what he did to my family and other families."
Police Chief Brooks also credited the Broward Sheriff's Office for its help in analyzing evidence including DNA that was discovered after the suspect broke in to at least four cars in the area of University Drive and Sunset Strip.
Brooks said Woods-Smith committed at least eight crimes in a 20-minute period including four car burglaries, an aggravated assault, an attempted robbery, an attempted homicide and the murder of Ramsaroop.
He said Ramsaroop may have been trying to stop the suspect from burglarizing a car.
His loved ones said Ramsaroop liked to go for walks at night.
Brooks said the motive for the murder was not clear and it was known if Woods-Smith had been taking drugs for his rampage.
The arrest of Woods-Smith followed the release of a series of surveillance videotapes by Sunrise Police. One of those tapes showed the suspect driving and parking his car.
Brooks also credited Homeland Security as well with this case and said the immigration status of Woods-Smith would be reviewed.
Woods-Smith, who was arrested Friday morning, is charged with at least eight crimes including the attempted murder and the murder of Ramsaroop.
Brooks said Woods-Smith also contributed to the delinquency of a minor. In one of the surveillance tapes, Woods-Smith was reportedly seen driving around with a juvenile in his car.