Miami-Dade man accused of shooting victim to death during argument at Florida City hotel

Jeffrey Joseph Dabdoub. (MDCR, Google Maps 2026)

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — A 21-year-old man from Miami-Dade County was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he allegedly shot a man to death during an argument at a hotel in Florida City last month.

Leer en español

Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said Jeffrey Joseph Dabdoub Jr., of Homestead, shot the victim twice on Jan. 26 just after 5:20 p.m. at Belmont Inn, located at 553 NE First Avenue.

They said the incident began when Dabdoub got into an argument with the victim.

During the argument, Dabdoub’s arrest report stated that he armed himself with a gun and ordered the victim to leave the room.

When the victim returned with his mother to retrieve his remaining property, Dabdoub again pulled out the gun, which sparked a reaction from the victim, at which point Dabdoub fired twice, killing him, according to investigators.

Dabdoub was transported to MDSO’s Homicide Bureau, where he was read his rights and released pending further investigation.

Investigators said evidence gathered during the probe contradicted statements Dabdoub initially gave to detectives.

He was later taken into custody and transported to the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Center.

Authorities have not released a motive for the shooting or details about what Dabdoub and the victim were arguing over.

Jail records show he is facing one count of second-degree murder.

As of Thursday, he was being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About The Author
Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born on Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.