18-Year-old Killed Over Drug Deal: Cops

AVENTURA, FL — Two 19-year-0ld men have been arrested in connection with the late-night Jan. 19 shooting death of an 18-year-old in the LA Fitness parking lot. Aventura police said that the murder of Omar Darwish was the result of a drug deal gone wrong. Darwish was pronounced dead at the scene by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel.

Arrested were Silas Spence, who was identified as the alleged shooter and Lucas George Seeger, who was allegedly the driver of a white Mercedes hatchback that was used to flee the scene after the shooting. The incident occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. outside the LA Fitness at 3455 NE 207th St.

Major Michael Bentolila of the Aventura Police Department told reporters on Thursday that Darwish flashed a BB gun that resembled a semiautomatic handgun during the alleged drug transaction. He said that Spence pulled out a real gun and fired the single shot that killed Darwish.

"Darwish stumbled, walking out of the parking lot onto 207th Street," according to Aventura police. "He then returned to the lot where he collapsed."

Both Spence and Seeger were charged with first-degree murder and robbery, according to Bentolila, who said that the teenagers were both responsible for the night's outcome.

Aventura police said that one of the men dumped numerous vials of THC around Darwish's body as he lay face up in a pool of blood.

To report a tip, call the Aventura Police Department at 305-466-8999. Alternatively, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Silas Spence (left) was identified as the alleged shooter and Lucas George Seeger (right) was allegedly the driver of a white Mercedes hatchback used to flee the shooting scene. Photo courtesy Aventura Police Department