Nubia Barahona To Be Memorialized With Street Renaming
MIAMI (CBS4) – Miami-Dade commissioners will rename a South Florida road in honor of 10-year-old Nubia Barahona, who was found dead in the back of her foster father's pick-up truck in West Palm Beach.
Tuesday morning, commissioners approved a resolution to name a stretch of SW 47th Terrace as "Nubia Way." The section of 47th Terrace stretches from SW 107th Avenue to 117th Avenue. The roadway will also include signage with a brief description of Nubia's story, and a child abuse hotline number urging residents to report suspected abuse to avoid another tragedy like Nubia's.
There will be a special re-naming ceremony at a later date.
Nubia's foster parents, Carmen and Jorge Barahona, are charged with first-degree murder in Nubia's death. Her partially decomposed body was found in a garbage bag in the back of Jorge's truck on Valentine's Day. Her twin brother survived, but was badly burned after he was doused with a toxic chemical.
Police said the Barahonas abused the twins for months and locked them in the bathroom. The Barahonas have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty.
"Since Nubia did not have a loving family to remember her, she has her community to remember her. These signs will serve to remind anyone who sees 'Nubia Way' who this little girl was and hopefully convince someone who may know of an incidence of child abuse to call the hotline and potentially save a life," said Commissioner Javier Souto who sponsored the resolution. "It is unconscionable that we as a community allow another child to fall through the cracks like this again."
In addition, Commissioner Souto asked County Manager Alina Hudak to assist his office with creating a poster with Nubia's photo and story, and the child abuse hotline asking the public to report any suspected child abuse. The posters would be installed in Miami-Dade libraries, park facilities and other County buildings.
If you suspect a child who may be a victim of abuse, please call the DCF abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
