Man arrested in shooting death of Miami community activist Dwight Wells, police say

Miami police announced Thursday that an arrest has been made just over one year after beloved community activist Dwight Wells was shot and killed outside of his Liberty City restaurant.

Wells was the founder of "Bikes Up, Guns Down," and his October 2025 killing shook the community, but now his family and friends say they're one step closer to justice.

Miami Police Chief Edwin Lopez said Jamar Lionel Jenkins was arrested by U.S. Marshals in connection with the shooting death of Wells, and investigators said they were able to connect him to the crime through call records and a search of his car and home, as well as his iCloud records.

A report said that Wells was convicted in the murder of Jenkins' brother in 2004 

According to the arrest report, a member of Jenkins' family told officers that Wells had been convicted in the 2004 killing of another brother, Anthony Jenkins, and that several relatives were still upset with Wells over it.

"He was also aware that Victim W (Wells) was convicted for the murder of his brother, Anthony Jenkins, in 2004....He stated that several family members, including his brother, J. L. JENKINS, and his cousin, were still upset with Victim W (Wells) over the murder of their brother," the report says.

The arrest report raises the question of whether the suspect in this case was assisted by anyone. The report said a witness described a male wearing a face cover and carrying a firearm and running westbound. The report said, "The unknown male ran into what he believed to be the rear driver's side passenger door of a white sedan. He observed the vehicle fleeing south."

CBS News Miami reached out to Miami Police, but they could not say if any more arrests are expected in this case.

The report said the gun in this case was not recovered and mentioned a conversation between the suspect and his brother. It said, "Upon witness J.W. Jenkins requesting his firearms be returned to him, the response was that the firearm went swimming."

The report also said, "J.L. Jenkins denied knowing that victim W was convicted for the murder of his brother Anthony Jenkins in 2004."

Miami Police and Wells' family speak out after the arrest was made 

Surveillance video from Oct. 20 captures the moment Wells was shot outside his Liberty City restaurant, showing people running before Wells collapsed.

Police had initially described the suspected shooter as wearing a dark-colored face mask, a dark-colored hoodie, black gloves, and dark-colored pants.

Lopez says the suspect was arrested previously for firearms charges. He also said the case meant a lot because of Wells's mission and the help he provided with his anti-violence efforts.

"These cases don't only impact the family; they impact the community," he said. "It's a person who was working with law enforcement for the betterment, to bring awareness and to bring levels of violence down. This was an individual who was tragically murdered. So, for us, as law enforcement officers, to bring this case to justice, we take this personally."

Wells' mother, Mary Brown, cheered outside the restaurant when she learned of the arrest.

"Thank you, God. Hallelujah. I'm thrilled to the soul," Brown said.

She said she had not heard of Jenkins until his arrest.

"I just feel reborn again," Brown said.

Even though the arrest report said that the victim and suspect knew each other, when asked, Brown noted she had never heard of Jenkins until his arrest.

Wells's girlfriend, who just wanted to use her first name, Lulu, said, "I'm just happy. Everybody wanted justice. It was for the community and the kids and everyone who wanted answers."

A celebration of Wells' life will be held Oct. 25 at Charles Hadley Park.