2 dead, 1 injured in gas station shooting

WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Two people have died and one is in critical condition following a shooting across from the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition just past midnight Friday. 

Detectives said 20-year-old Dion Coppet, his 17-year-old brother Danzel, 17-year-old Henry Richardson, Carlton Williams and Norris Smith departed the Fair late Thursday in the 20-year-old's Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The group of five proceeded to the Shell gas station along Southwest Eighth Street and 107th Avenue, across from Florida International University, to meet some girls.

According to witnesses, a maroon Cadillac Escalade struck the side of the 20-year-old certified nursing assistant's vehicle in the gas station's parking lot at approximately 12:20 a.m. The impact prompted Dion, reportedly armed at the time, to confront the driver. Richardson's mother, Janice Pope, claims that the Escalade's driver pulled out a gun and opened fire on the 20-year-old Naranja resident and the Monte Carlo, fatally shooting the elder Coppet in the head, seriously wounding his younger brother and striking her 17-year-old son just below the eye socket. Richardson's mother insists several other men in the Escalade fled from the scene on foot.

Miami-Dade and Sweetwater Police discovered Dion, the father of a 1-year-old boy, dead on the ground next to his bullet-riddled vehicle, which was parked near Pump 8 with its passenger-side door open. 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the younger Coppet and 17-year-old Richardson by air rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital where Danzel would die. Richardson's mother said her son fractured several bones in his face and is currently undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. "[The bullet] is lodged in the back of his brain," said Pope.

Richardson's mother believes firearms have distorted the way youngsters perceive reality. "I think they need to take all these guns from these kids and teach these kids the importance of life," said Pope.

Melody Thompson tearfully recalled the last words she delivered to her two sons before they departed for what she thought would be simply a fun night out. "I told them, 'I love you. Be careful,'" she said. "That was it."

Having lost her two boys in one night, Thompson is not sure how she will carry on. "I don't know what I'm going to do without them, I just don't know," said the grieving mother. "They're all I had."

Cameras captured one man in handcuffs, but authorities have not said if that individual is a suspect or a victim. Homicide detectives questioned Williams, Smith and the driver of the Escalade to determine if bullets were fired in self-defense. Richardson's mother is not buying the self-defense theory. "You mean to tell me he shot three people? Two died [and] my son is fighting for his life," said Pope. "How in the world are you going to tell me that is self-defense?"

Police have not charged anyone and have not determined a motive.

Thompson said her son had just bought the Monte Carlo.

If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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