Police Investigate Beating Of 91-Year-Old Man In Little Havana
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - City of Miami police are asking for the public's help for information regarding the possible beating of a senior citizen in Little Havana.
Detectives say Candido Manuel Pla, 91, was found left for dead suffering from multiple injuries on August 7, in the area of NW Flagler Street & NW 10th Avenue.
Pla was left clinging to life, in a coma, at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
On Friday night, friends tell us Pla was taken off life support.
Longtime friend Roberto Corcho says he found Pla bruised and bleeding inside his apartment.
"I said Manolo what happened? He said I was asleep and when I woke up I was like this," explained Corcho.
Corcho said Pla recently sold the rundown home next door that stood on this now-vacant lot.
Pla took in anyone who needed a place to stay.
Friend Wanda Bender wonders if Pla's attacker was someone he once helped or if the assailant was after the $20 he always kept in his pocket.
"It's horrible. That man was a sweetheart. He would give you anything you wanted," said Bender.
Police are going door to door passing out flyers with his picture.
Authorities say they don't know how he got injured, but someone has to have that information.
Friends say the hospital is in touch with Pla's daughter in Cuba and she was preparing for the worst.
Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477) or visit the website at crimestoppersmiami.com.
If your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a reward up to $3,000.
You can also contact the City of Miami Police Department Assaults Unit at 305-603-6940.
