Baffling SW Dade Killing Has Family, Cops Seeking Help
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The family of a Miami-Dade man who was found shot dead near the Everglades has joined police asking for the public's help for leads in solving the killing. The 21-year-old was reported missing back in January and was found days later shot to death.
Adrian Lopez, 21, who lived near Zoo Miami in Southwest Miami-Dade was found dead Thursday January 5th at SW 280th Street and 207th Avenue after being reported missing two days earlier.
"The worst pain in the world you could have, losing your son. that pain never goes away. During the day, during the night, when you sleep, every time you breathe. It's very, very painful," cried Adrian's dad Amado Lopez.
Investigators said Lopez was a hard working young man who left his home to run a few errands but was abducted, apparently robbed and murdered in cold blood. His body was found inside his immaculately maintained Chevy Silverado on the side of the road.
Miami-Dade police and Adrian's family is appealing for the public's help in catching his killers.
"Never slept one day out of the house in 21 years. Had the same girlfriend for nine years. Sweet, gentle," described his emotionally distraught father.
Police know Adrian, who worked as an insurance adjuster with his dad, made a withdrawal at an ATM in the Hammocks. He called his girlfriend, bought a gadget at an electronics supply store, grabbed a bite to eat at a shopping center, and then called his mom.
"He called me and told me he was on his way home after having something to eat and that was the last time I spoke to him," said Adrian's mom Barbara Lopez.
Investigators said Lopez was later seen at a Sunoco gas station on Krome Avenue. Oddly, he was in the back seat of his truck with two strange men in the front. Both men had beards and one was wearing a T-shirt with the words 'Horny Hunter' and an image of a buck.
Adrian's truck was later seen next to a red Mustang on a rural road near the Everglades. His abductors, police say, may have met up with an accomplice before robbing and killing him.
"I know somebody saw something. We know somebody something, we know somebody is out there that's gonna help us find these killers," said Adrian's uncle Lazaro Olivera.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477.
Alternatively, the public can visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or send a text message to 274637 by entering CSMD, then the tip information and pressing send.
