Tourism Official: Causeway Cannibal Attack Won't Hurt Tourism
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Almost from the start, the story of a face eating cannibal dubbed the Miami Zombie has attracted headlines around the world.
A search for the phrase Miami Zombie on Google turns up 67 million results and a local historian is already including the scene of the macabre crime on his tour of infamous Miami crime sites. But what kind of impact will it have on Miami's image?
William Talbert, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, told CBS4 News on Friday that Miami will easily weather this storm.
"Well you know having been in this town for 40 years there are some times that we call 'Miami Moments.' This will pass. This is one of the hottest destinations in the world today. I think LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will get a lot more press, positive press. So this will pass."
The causeway cannibal attack took place over Memorial Day weekend.
Surveillance video from The Miami Herald shows 65-year-old Ronald Poppo being attacked by 31-year-old Rudy Eugene. A Miami police officer shot and killed Eugene, who bit into Poppo's face in broad daylight alongside the busy MacArthur Causeway. Police have not released a motive for the attack on Poppo, who had been homeless for decades.
He remains hospitalized and faces a lengthy recovery, including months of treatment to rebuild his features.
