Miami-Dade authorities have arrested a Cuban man accused of fatally hitting an 18-year-old Colombian teenager and fleeing the scene. The incident took place on July 15 at approximately 1:15 AM. The victim, Kevin Daniel Chaparro, was riding his bicycle in the 3200 block of Southwest 127th Avenue in the unincorporated area of Tamiami when a speeding Jeep Wrangler struck him from behind, leaving him at the scene.
The young man had arrived in the United States three months earlier on a soccer scholarship awarded by Millennia Atlantic University. On the night of his death, he was returning home from a Miami shopping center where he had watched the final match of the Copa America between Colombia and Argentina.
Following an investigation, Yoandrys Alfredo García-García, a 40-year-old Cuban resident of western Miami-Dade, was identified as the suspect. According to Local 10, García-García, who has been in the United States for seven years, turned himself in at the Miami-Dade Police Department headquarters with his lawyer and provided a full confession. He has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death and attempted tampering with evidence.
García-García was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TDK) and was given a $20,000 bond. If he posts bail and is released on provisional liberty, he will be subject to a nightly curfew and will not be allowed to drive.
Family Seeks Help to Bring Kevin's Body Back to Colombia
Meanwhile, Chaparro's parents, whose son was an only child, have created a GoFundMe account to raise funds to travel to Florida and bring their son's body back to Colombia.
"Kevin Daniel was raised in Colombia but was born in Miami, Florida. From a young age, his dream was to return to his birthplace to study and put down roots in what he called 'his home.' At 18, Kevin embarked on the greatest adventure of his life. He worked hard to achieve excellent grades in high school, became an excellent soccer player, and won multiple tournaments," the request states.
"His efforts earned him a scholarship to start his studies in Miami in September. He began his journey on March 29, 2024, working full-time, paying rent, and saving money to support himself while living in Miami. After just three months, he was thriving," the text adds.
On the night of his death, Kevin was in constant contact with his parents. After the game ended, he called his father in Colombia to say he was heading home to Kendall and would call again once he arrived. However, the family never received that call.
Kevin's father, Oscar, asked a friend to go to Kevin's residence to see what had happened. Shortly after, the police arrived with the tragic news of Kevin's death.
The grieving father appealed to the community for help in identifying the responsible party. "We haven't received the body because with the driver having fled, it's considered a homicide, and the body is being held until the investigation progresses," he explained.
"My son was a star, a son of God, a fan of Millonarios and Real Madrid, and he wanted to play there and for the United States national team," he added.
Details Surrounding the Hit-and-Run Incident
In light of this tragic event, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the case.
What led to the arrest of Yoandrys Alfredo García-García?
García-García was identified as the suspect after an investigation by Miami-Dade Police. He turned himself in with his lawyer and provided a full confession.
What charges is García-García facing?
He has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death and attempted tampering with evidence.
What measures have been taken if García-García posts bail?
If he posts the $20,000 bond, he will be subject to a nightly curfew and will not be allowed to drive.
How are Chaparro's parents planning to bring his body back to Colombia?
They have created a GoFundMe account to raise funds for traveling to Florida and transporting their son's body back to Colombia.