Tears and Demands for Justice: What Happened Before Miami-Dade Deputy Shot Young Driver

Tears, outrage, and heartbreak filled the air as the family of Kristofer Lazaro Laboy, a 24-year-old man shot and killed by a deputy in Miami-Dade, spoke out. His loved ones say he was not a criminal—but a kind soul, a devoted son, and someone who did not deserve to die like this. Now, they’re demanding justice and the release of body camera footage that could reveal the truth.

What Happened in Miami-Dade?

On June 14, 2024, officers with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a yellow Corvette with dark tinted windows at the Sunset Palm Villas complex. According to police, the car was linked to a robbery investigation.

Officials say Laboy exited the vehicle holding a gun and did not obey commands to drop it. That’s when Deputy Kelvin Cox, a 20-year department veteran, opened fire, fatally wounding him. The shooting occurred near Northwest 85th Street Road and 4th Court just after 5 p.m.

The Family Speaks — “That Wasn’t Him”

At an emotional press conference, Kristofer’s family painted a very different picture of the young man. They said he had no criminal record and wasn’t the kind of person who would threaten an officer.

• Marisol Laboy (aunt): “I’m numb inside. My heart is broken into pieces.”

• Maria Elena Laboy (aunt): “We want justice. He was no damn thug. He was a loving son, brother, and nephew.”

• Anthony Haygood (uncle): “Let’s verify everything. Let’s get the body cam out there.”

The family said they’ve heard from witnesses who saw what happened, but many are scared to speak up.

What Law Enforcement Says

The police union supports Deputy Cox, stating that Laboy had a gun and was approaching the deputy in an aggressive manner. The department claims Cox feared for his life and acted according to protocol.

Still, no body camera footage has been released to the public. And for many, that silence is raising more questions than answers.

Investigation Underway

• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now investigating the shooting, which is standard for deputy-involved fatalities.

• The family is calling for full transparency—they want the body-cam video released and the truth made public.

• Civil rights groups in the area are also starting to get involved, adding pressure on law enforcement to move quickly and clearly.

Why This Case Is So Important

This isn’t just about one shooting—it’s about:

• Trust between communities and the police

• Accountability for law enforcement actions

• The need for clear, public evidence, especially in cases involving deadly force

The Laboy family says they won’t stop speaking out until the public sees the full story