Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Hispanic male from Homestead, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 14, 2024. His passing has left his family devastated, as they struggle to cope with the unexpected loss of their beloved son. A fundraiser was organized to support his family during this difficult time, highlighting the emotional and financial burden they now face.
Authorities confirmed that Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez was killed in a fatal shooting in Florida City.
The incident occurred early in the morning when officers responded to a gunshot detection alert near Palm Drive and U.S. 1. Upon arrival, they found Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from a family-related dispute. The confrontation unfolded when a red pickup truck carrying Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez and another individual stopped on Southwest 344th Street. Shortly after, an 18-year-old suspect, identified as Kendy Javier Torres Figueras, arrived at the scene in a Toyota Corolla. Witnesses reported that Torres Figueras confronted the passenger inside the red pickup truck, prompting Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez to intervene and demand that the suspect stop threatening them. Moments later, Torres Figueras fired multiple shots, striking Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez in the torso before fleeing the scene.
Authorities later arrested Torres Figueras, who surrendered to Florida City police. He was taken to the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Homicide Bureau for questioning, where he waived his rights and admitted to the shooting. He also disclosed that he had fled the scene and disposed of the firearm. As of the latest reports, Torres Figueras remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
