MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Loved ones of a New York tourist who was shot early Sunday while having breakfast outside the News Cafe in Miami Beach said he was a founding member of an organization that works tirelessly to end gun violence.
The shooting was reported shortly before 7 a.m. near Eighth Street and Ocean Drive.
Several bystanders saw the crime scene unfold in the minutes after the shooting.
"It hurts me that people are murdered," another tourist, Rick Kolodziej, said. "It seems like they're getting worse and worse, and the beach isn't what it was."
Loved ones said Lavon Walker, 30, had turned his life around years ago and helped found the Save Our Streets organization, taking comfort in steering young children away from dangerous paths.
His faith, people said, was his guiding force.
Walker leaves behind a wife, two young children and a large, extended family.
Detectives said they have recovered a Jeep that the gunman is believed to have fled in.
Miami Beach police said a motive remains unclear.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.