Store manager killed by Dodge Durango outside Miami International Mall

Police identifiy victim as Mayors Jewelers store manager

DORAL, Fla. ā€“ The driver of a 2014 Dodge Durango killed a 63-year-old man Friday outside Miami International Mall, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Ruben Betancourt was in the driver's seat. Leonardo Vivancos, who was a store manager at Mayors Jewelers, was in the front passenger seat.

The two got out of the car at the delivery area of the mall, 1455 NW 107 Ave., and opened the rear door of the car. Ā 

Betancourt, 66, returned to the driver's seat and "inadvertently hit the gas pedal, putting the vehicle in reverse and striking Vivancos," Detective Marjorie EloiĀ said in a statement.Ā 

When Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived, Vivancos was dead. Sky 10 was above the scene as a tarp covered his body.Ā 

"We noticed it was going on for like two hours and, you know, (there) were a lot of police going in and out," Rooms To Go employee Maria Santana said.

Alein Calaso, the Miami International Mall manager, released a statement with a message of condolences for Vivancos' family and friends. Ā 

Vivancos "was a valued and beloved member of the Miami International Mall community," CalasoĀ said.Ā 

Police continue to investigate the death.


About the Authors:

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer.Ā In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.

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