MIAMI – A Local 10 News investigation has led to a Christmas dream come true for the family of a 10-year-old boy who was shot and killed.
Marlon Eason was playing basketball outside his Overtown house last March when he was struck by a stray bullet.
His grandmother has had one wish since the incident.
"All I want is for Dwyane Wade to sign the basketball Marlon was playing with when he was shot," Dorothy Ruffin told Local 10.
Ruffin said Eason idolized Wade and spent hours playing basketball, trying to be like him.
"I sleep with that basketball every night," Ruffin said.
The Miami Heat organization recently saw a Local 10 investigation in which Ruffin claimed to have been misled after Eason was killed.
In that story, Ruffin said a community liaison from the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency promised that the ball would be signed, but it never was. Instead, the community liaison borrowed money from Ruffin.
The Miami Heat and Local 10 arranged for Wade to surprise Ruffin for Christmas and show up at her home.
When Ruffin saw Wade, she fell to the ground in hysterics. Wade comforted her with a hug and escorted her to a couch, where he signed the basketball.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dwyane," Ruffin said. "I'm the happiest grandma in the whole world now."
Wade gave Ruffin a signed jersey and tickets to a game. He also signed a picture on the wall and said a prayer with Ruffin.
"Dear Marlon, this is your grandma and Mr. Wade," he said. "It's unfortunate that you are not here at this moment, but you are here in spirit. You are loved by your family. I appreciate every time you said my name, every time you wanted to play basketball. That will live through me for many years to come."