3rd Man Sought In Liberty City Murders

MIAMI, FL — After making two arrests over the weekend, Miami police announced Monday they are seeking a third man in connection with the murders of 18-year-old Rickey Dixon and 17-year-old Kimson Green in the Liberty City section of the city. Anthony Clinch and Yaairnes Rashad Bryant were each charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Saturday. The April 8 killings sparked community outrage and led to stepped up patrols in the area.

Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina said at a Monday afternoon news conference that police are also looking for 19-year-old Deondre McDuffy in connection with the shootings that also left two others seriously injured.

Green was an honor student at Miami Northwestern Sr. High School and Dixon was a former student at the school. The other victims were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

"This third person that we're looking for — Deondre McDuffy — is considered dangerous and possibly armed," Colina told reporters. "We would like to take him into custody without incident and be able to bring some closure, some sense of peace to everyone that's been affected by this tragedy — not just the families, but the friends and even the kids at Northwestern who were affected because one of their classmates was murdered."

McDuffy is described as black, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 170 pounds. His last known address was in the 1200 block of NW 66 Street.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said that the Clinch and Bryant were arrested by the SWAT team without incident. He said that the increase patrols in the area are paying off along with additional support from Miami-Dade County, federal and state law enforcement agencies.

"I think it's very important for us to note that we have not had a homicide in the North District in four weeks," the mayor said. "To put that into perspective, in a good year — in a very good year — we averaged one homicide per week. So, to not have had one in four weeks is approximating a record in the city of Miami."

The shootings sparked outrage in the community and led fellow Miami Northwestern students to take to the streets to protest the gun violence that has plagued their community.

Colina noted that volunteer groups such as the Circle of Brotherhood assisted police with the investigation by going door in some cases.

"We've had other groups and activist folks that have gone door to door knocking on doors, handing out fliers, doing everything that they can do to insure that we bring peace to that neighborhood," the chief added. "Equally, everyone deserves to live in a safe neighborhood."

To report a tip, contact Detective F. Lubin or any detective of the Miami Police Department at 305-603-6350. Alternatively, call 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.

Photo of Deondre McDuffy courtesy Miami Police Department