Police search for Christmas night shooter in Overtown

James Brown killed, 2 others injured in shooting outside Food Express Center

MIAMI – The search is on for whoever opened fire outside a convenience store in Miami's Overtown neighborhood on Christmas night, shooting three people.

Miami police identified the victims Friday as James Brown, Ralf Martin and Charlie Williams. All three were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where Brown later died. Martin and Williams were expected to be OK.

The shooting happened about 8 p.m. in front of the Express Food Center, 467 NW Eighth St.

Surveillance video from the store shows Brown stumbling inside after being shot.

"I know that he touched my heart, as well as a lot of other people's hearts too," Cynthia Flax, who knew the victim, told Local 10 News.

It was back to business for the Express Food Center as the store reopened Friday morning. But it was a chaotic scene Thursday night as police collected evidence trying to figure out what led to the shooting.

Police said a group of people were outside the store when shots were fired. The store's owner, Fahmi Abugazleh, said Brown was a regular customer whom he had known since Brown was a boy.

A makeshift memorial was set up outside the store. People stopped by, writing messages on the wall and placing teddy bears on the ground for Brown, who was known around the neighborhood as "Baby Boo."

Flax started this memorial. She said Brown went by the store after leaving a Christmas party.

"He was very outgoing -- (a) beautiful young man, you know, (who) had a big heart," she said.

Police do not have a suspect or motive in the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

Follow Jenise Fernandez on Twitter @JeniseFernandez

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