Doral Woman Charged In Hit-And-Run Death Of Tourist

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A 33-year-old Doral woman has been charged with first-degree murder and lesser offenses in connection with the hit-and-run death of a Miami Beach tourist she met at a bar over the Memorial Day weekend, according to police. The tourist was identified as 38-year-0ld Steven Beech of California. The incident happened early Saturday morning at 20 Street and Liberty Avenue.

"After days of extensive investigative work, MBPD has arrested the person responsible for the death of Steven Beech," Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department said Thursday in announcing the arrest.

Latravia Chantae Reed was also charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, strong arm robbery and credit card fraud involving $100 or more.

According to court documents, Reed struck Beech as she was trying to get away with $300 in cash they withdrew from an ATM machine. She told police that she met Beech at the Free Spirits Bar on 21 Street and left with him to purchase drugs in the area of 14 Street and Washington Avenue.

"According to Ms. Reed, they were unable to purchase narcotics so she drove to 318-20th Street, the Riviera Hotel," court documents said. It was not clear from the documents why they drove to the hotel in Reed's Blue Hyundai Veloster, but Reed pulled up in front of the hotel near the valet stand.

"Mr. Beech exits the vehicle and while the passenger door is open, and Ms. Reed is in the vehicle, Ms. Reed states she had his money and credit cards and decided to leave," court documents explained. "Ms. Reed proceeds east when Mr. Beech attempts to prevent her from leaving by stepping out onto the street."

Court documents said Reed braked "momentarily" while Beech placed both hands on the hood of her Hyundai.

"Ms. Reed again accelerates in an effort to leave and Mr. Beech is now mounted on top of the vehicle as it goes off the view of the camera," court documents said. "It should be noted witnesses expressed hearing a loud 'thump' and then seeing the vehicle drive away from the body."

Rodriguez said earlier that police were called to the scene shortly after 4 a.m. in response to a 9-1-1 call. Beech was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center by Miami Beach Fire Rescue. He died Monday night.

Despite a heightened police presence and a series of community meetings prior to the holiday, the long Memorial Day weekend netted about the same number of arrests on Miami Beach as last year, according to statistics released by Miami Beach police. Officers arrested 130 adults from Thursday through Monday compared to 128 last year. Reed's arrest was not included in this year's total since it occurred after the holiday weekend.

To report a tip, 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 Latravia Chantae Reed courtesy Miami Beach Police Department