Wilton Mena, a 36-year-old man affectionately known as "Frieza," was tragically killed while rollerblading in North Miami Beach, Florida, on October 1, 2024. The incident occurred around 2:06 a.m. in the area of Northeast 167th Street and 18th Avenue, near his home. Mena, a well-known local barber at Cibao Barbershop, was shot in the back of the head and his phone was stolen at the time of the murder.
Mena was a beloved member of his community, known for his positive and peaceful spirit. He was a dedicated father to his two young sons, ages 8 and 3, and was deeply involved in their lives, often helping them with homework and planning to coach them in soccer. Before his death, Mena had expressed his excitement about spending more time with his sons.
The family and community are struggling to understand the motive behind Mena's murder, as there were no indications of any enemies or conflicts in his life. His sister, Cindy Mena, and other family members have spoken out about the devastating impact of his death, highlighting his role as a father, son, brother, and husband. Mena's family has also shared that he had a nightly ritual of reading the Bible with his boys, a tradition they deeply miss.
The investigation into Mena's death is ongoing, with the North Miami Beach police releasing surveillance video showing the moments before he was shot. The video was released in hopes that someone might have seen or heard something that could aid in the investigation. Two children walking to school found Mena's body several hours after the shooting and called 911.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers for any information leading to an arrest or arrests in connection with Mena's murder. The public is urged to come forward with any information, and tips can remain anonymous. Mena's family has also set up a GoFundMe account to help cover his funeral expenses.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Wilton Mena, and his family remains desperate for justice, appealing to the public for any information that could help bring closure to this senseless tragedy.
