18-Year-Old Arrested After Woman Was Fatally Shot Outside of Little Havana Store

An 18-year-old male has been taken into custody for his suspected involvement in a shooting incident outside a convenience store in Little Havana that resulted in the tragic death of a bystander. Miami Police officials have confirmed that 39-year-old Desiree Gonzalez lost her life in the shooting that occurred at Habibi Mini Market on Southwest Third Street in December 2025, as reported by NBC Miami.

Surveillance footage of the incident captured Gonzalez inside the store wearing a red jacket and black hat. Shortly after, a confrontation erupted between a group of individuals on bikes and two other individuals outside the store. Tragically, Gonzalez was caught in the crossfire as gunshots were exchanged between the two groups, leading to her being struck by gunfire.

Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene on motorized bikes heading westbound on Southwest 3rd Street. The intended targets also fled northbound on a bicycle on Southwest 18th Avenue. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Gonzalez succumbed to her injuries sustained in the shooting. Authorities have clarified that she was not the intended target of the violence.

A thorough investigation was launched, revealing footage from the Habibi Mini Market showing the suspects frequenting the store on multiple occasions. One of the individuals involved was identified and subsequently interviewed by law enforcement. Subsequent analysis of cellphone data pinpointed 18-year-old Jeferzon Noel Mendoza Herrera’s presence at the convenience store during the time of the shooting.

Mendoza Herrera was apprehended on Friday, January 30, and has been charged with first-degree murder, according to records accessed by Us Weekly. Additionally, he faces allegations of attempted murder in a separate incident that occurred on January 22 in Miami. In connection to both shootings, four other individuals – Abraham Estrada Solano, Cristian Reyes, Mauricio Jose Baquedano, and an unnamed minor – have also been arrested.

At present, Mendoza Herrera remains in custody without bond. It is unclear whether he has secured legal representation or entered a plea in response to the charges against him. Friends of Gonzalez revealed to CBS News that she was experiencing homelessness at the time of her passing, expressing immense grief over her tragic death. One acquaintance mentioned having spoken to her just hours before the fatal shooting.