A second suspect has been apprehended by the Hialeah police in connection with a violent incident that unfolded on February 12, where a Santeria ritual culminated in a shooting, leaving one individual dead and two others wounded. The latest arrest involves Yasmany Matos González, a 35-year-old Cuban national, who was detained this Tuesday at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Authorities were able to identify Matos González through surveillance footage, which reportedly captured him firing at the victim. He now faces charges of second-degree murder and is the second person to be charged in this case.
Unfolding of the Crime
According to the police report, the victim, known only as "Nodar," was participating in the ritual alongside Matos González and the first suspect, Milton Cao. The trio had exited the residence located near 39th Avenue and 10th Court when Matos González allegedly started shooting without any apparent provocation.
The victim attempted to seek cover behind a vehicle but was struck by the gunfire. A pivotal witness in the investigation is Matos González's teenage son, who stated that he heard a gunshot and then saw "Nodar" enter the house with a bullet wound in his leg. In what appeared to be an act of self-defense, "Nodar" grabbed a knife and began stabbing Matos González. The teenager intervened in the altercation, sustaining injuries to his arms.
Emergency responders arrived to find Matos González with a wound on the left side of his head, the knife still embedded. He was swiftly transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remained in custody until his formal arrest.
First Arrest: Milton Cao
The initial suspect taken into custody was Milton Cao, arrested soon after the incident. Eyewitnesses claim that Cao shot "Nodar" as he attempted to flee the property, despite the victim being unarmed. Cao is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) without bail and is expected to appear in court in early March.
The police continue to collect evidence and statements to fully unravel the events. Local residents have expressed their fear following the violent occurrence. "I heard about five or six shots... the man was already dead with four gunshots to the chest," said Luis Andrey, a neighbor who lives directly across from the shooting site, in a statement to Telemundo 51.
Public records indicate that Matos González has been arrested multiple times before, although details of his prior offenses have not been disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities strive to uncover more about the crime.
Key Questions Surrounding the Hialeah Shooting Incident
Why was Yasmany Matos González arrested?
Yasmany Matos González was arrested for his alleged involvement in a shooting during a Santeria ritual, where he reportedly fired at the victim, resulting in charges of second-degree murder.
What charges does Milton Cao face?
Milton Cao faces charges related to the shooting of "Nodar" as he attempted to leave the property unarmed, and is being held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
How did the incident unfold according to eyewitness accounts?
Eyewitnesses reported that Matos González began shooting without warning, and "Nodar" attempted to find shelter but was shot. "Nodar" then retaliated with a knife, leading to a confrontation with Matos González.