MIAMI – A man who two robbers shot before stealing his gold jewelry Tuesday afternoon was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The victim, Marcus Vaughin Smith, 59, was robbed and shot in the 500 block of Northwest 44th Street in Miami at approximately 2:05 p.m.
According to the Miami Police Department, Smith was standing on the sidewalk when the two robbers approached him and shot him several times. The robbers then took the victim's jewelry and ran off.
"We understand that the economy is bad, but people don't have to kill for what you have," said Robert Torres, a friend of the Smith's. "It's just something very sad to hear that things like this happen out here. He was a well educated man with family and everything."
Smith was transported to Ryder Trauma Center at J.M.H. in serious condition where he died shortly upon arrival.
Investigators said both men were in their 20s, but didn't provide more of a description.
Smith is the latest victim that is joining a growing list.
Last week two robbers stole a 75-year-old man's gold chain and bracelet outside of a North Miami Beach Kaballah Center. The victim in that robbery sustained minor injuries.
Ethel Sanders said her 70-year-old cousin called for her help on June 21 when two men in a red minivan bumped the victim's car from behind on the 1900 block of NW 127th Street. The men jumped out of the van then shot her in the hand and stole her jewelry.
In each of those robbery cases, the men got away as well.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Wislyn Joseph was also robbed and shot in the chest, but his robber was not as lucky to get away.
"It exited through my rib cage," said Joseph.
He testified against Willie Barney in court in late May. Barney was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Anyone with any information regarding the robbery and killing of Marcus Vaughin Smith, or any other robberies, is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.