Thief targets same-sex couple fearing possible hate crimes in Kendall

Women fear attacks on property could escalate

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Lizabeth Varela fears she and her wife, Yoiris Mora, fear they have been the victims of a series of hate crimes in Miami-Dade County. 

Surveillance video shows a man in a red Chevrolet used a hammer to damage a surveillance camera at the home near Southwest 117th Avenue in Kendall.

The vandal also used the hammer to shatter their car's windows. Days later, a thief stole their other car. They suspect it was the same man. 

"I feel violated. My wife feels violated. We feel a little bit unsafe in where we’re suppose to feel safe," Varela said. 

Varela and Mora fear the attacks could escalate. They said they don't have enemies, and they don't understand why anyone would want to hurt them and their property outside their home in Kendall. 

Miami-Dade police detectives are asking anyone with information about the crimes to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.


About the Authors

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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