Brother of Miami Beach police detective found dead in Davie home

Daniel Padilla, 21, found with gunshot wounds, police say

DAVIE, Fla. – The brother of a Miami Beach police detective was found dead Wednesday at a home in Davie, law enforcement sources told Local 10 News.

"I am able to confirm Davie PD has an open death investigation involving the family member of a Miami Beach PD detective," Miami Beach police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said in a statement Wednesday. "Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out  to our detective and her family."

David police confirmed Thursday that Daniel Padilla, 21, died after he was shot inside a home.

According to Davie police, Padilla was found dead about 6:30 p.m. on the floor of one of the bedrooms at the home south of Interstate 595 near Southwest 136th Street.

Friends of the victim told Local 10 News reporter Todd Tongen that Padilla went by the nickname Chico.

"He was just a big-hearted person in general," one woman said. "He did everything for everyone else. He always wanted to see everyone happy rather than himself. He always put himself last, like that's just who he was. He always wanted to make sure everyone was straight before himself."

Padilla's body was taken to the medical examiner's office.

"We are saddened to hear about the passing of our detective's family member and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to her and her family," Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police president Bobby Jenkins said in a statement. "Although the overwhelming show of support and concern is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed, the Miami Beach FOP asks that they be given their privacy during this very difficult time."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.