MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. ā An 84-year-old man who is accused of fatally shooting two sisters at a Miami-Dade County restaurant before turning the gun on himself was their uncle, relatives told Local 10 News on Monday.
The shooting was reported Saturday at the Latin Cafeteria Restaurant at 7360 SW 24th St.
"He was my neighbor, friend of the area, friend of mine," Marcelino Garcia said about Jose Reina. "He was very good people. Nice neighbor."
Garcia said Reina struggled to care for his elderly wife, who was suffering from Alzheimer's.
"The situation was very bad because his wife had been sick for many years with Alzheimer's," he said.Ā
Witnesses said Reina was circling the parking lot outside the restaurant just before the shooting.
Madelin Guardado, 39, died at the scene.
Her sister, Yanet Guardado, 38, was taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center, where she also died.
Madelin Guardado's mother-in-law told Local 10 News that her son and daughter-in-law lived with Reina at one time. She said the family never expected this and that they're faith in God is giving them peace.Ā
"There is peace within the family despite what's happened," she said.
Hours after the shooting, Reina was found dead inside his green Jeep Cherokee that was parked just two blocks from the hospital.
Police said Reina fatally shot himself.
Police found a handgun box and rifle bag inside the SUV.
Garcia and many others are now left wondering why Reina would do kill his nieces.
"It was a surprise -- a surprise for me," Garcia said.
Police have not said whether they are aware of a motive for the killing. Ā