Adrián Venereo, a 37-year-old locksmith, tragically lost his life on February 20th while on a job at a southwest Miami apartment complex.
Described by his wife as a loving father and dedicated worker, Venereo was shot in the head while performing his duties.
Now, a 32-year-old Cuban national named Luis David Lemus has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident.
The Fatal Day
The locksmith was called to the building located at 6355 SW 8th Street to change a lock. According to the arrest report cited by local media, Lemus and a witness, allegedly his father, were locked out and sought Venereo’s assistance.
During the task, Lemus allegedly drew a weapon and shot Venereo in the head before fleeing the scene.
The Aftermath of the Shooting
When officers arrived on the seventh floor, they discovered the locksmith lying in the hallway with a gunshot wound to the head. Paramedics declared him dead shortly thereafter. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound, and the case was ruled a homicide.
Family's Grief and Quest for Justice
The loss has left Venereo’s family devastated. His wife, Nicole Galvis, shared with Telemundo 51 how she learned of the tragic event, explaining, “My husband was called to change locks in an apartment building, and while doing so, he was shot in the head.”
Concern grew when she lost contact with him. “I knew something was wrong because he always called me, and I hadn't heard from him for two hours. I checked his location, saw no movement, and he wasn't answering. I felt something was wrong, went to the location, and saw the crime scene and police. That’s when detectives told me what happened,” she recounted, visibly shaken.
Unanswered Questions
The family remains perplexed about the motive. “They don’t know why he did it. He was just working, and the man shot him in the head. That’s all I know,” Galvis stated.
Their children were given the heartbreaking news. “We told the kids that daddy passed away, that someone very bad took his life while he was working,” she said through tears.
Remembering her husband, she described him as “always happy, very sociable, loving. He was an amazing person, a great husband, a great father. He was everything to us.”
Seeking Justice
She implored, “Please, justice for him. This isn’t right, it’s very unfair. He was just helping.”
Luis David Lemus is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm. During a virtual court appearance, he was seen lying in bed, wrapped in a blanket, and did not respond to questions. He remains in custody pending further hearings.
As the legal proceedings continue, the family of Adrián Venereo strives to piece their lives back together after such a sudden and violent loss.
Understanding the Tragic Miami Shooting
Who was charged in the Miami locksmith shooting?
Luis David Lemus, a 32-year-old Cuban man, is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of locksmith Adrián Venereo.
What happened to Adrián Venereo?
Adrián Venereo was shot in the head while working on a locksmith job at an apartment building in southwest Miami, leading to his death.
How is the family coping with the loss?
The family is devastated by the loss, with Venereo’s wife and children struggling to come to terms with the sudden and violent incident.
What is known about the motive behind the shooting?
As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving the family and authorities with unanswered questions.