On the early morning of December 25, 2024, a devastating shooting incident occurred outside an IHOP restaurant in Miramar, Florida, leading to the deaths of two women and leaving a man in a critical condition. The incident took place around 1:30 a.m. in the restaurant’s parking lot, situated at 11302 Miramar Parkway.
Miramar, a city nestled in southern Broward County near the Miami-Dade County line, is recognized for its diverse populations, welcoming residential areas, and flourishing commercial sectors.
Upon receiving reports of the shooting, Miramar Police officers rushed to the scene and found three adults with gunshot injuries. They were immediately transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, where the two female victims succumbed to their injuries. The hospitalized victim, not considered a suspect in the case, remained under police supervision as investigators sought his account of events.
Investigation into the incident has revealed that the victims and the shooter were acquainted, and the victims were specifically targeted. “We want to reassure the public that this wasn’t a random act of violence,” stated Janice McIntosh, a representative from the Miramar Police Department.
Forensic experts meticulously scoured the scene for evidence, employing flashlights and metal detectors to search nearby bushes and retrieve several shell casings. Two vehicles, a black BMW and a white Acura displaying visible blood stains and bullet damage, were removed from the scene for further examination.
The IHOP restaurant, a round-the-clock facility, was open during the incident. Witnesses present at the scene were interviewed by the police to obtain additional insights.
While the identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, the police have confirmed that they are not currently seeking any suspects but did not provide any additional details.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent acts that have occurred in Miramar in recent times. In October, a shooting outside a Dunkin’ Donuts on Miramar Parkway resulted in a fatality and another injury, a case that is still under investigation.
In September, a murder-suicide incident in the Windsor Palms gated community resulted in two deaths when a 43-year-old man shot a 40-year-old woman before ending his own life.
Despite these incidents, Miramar is generally perceived as safer than many neighboring locales. However, concerns over public safety have been raised.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the Christmas morning shooting to come forward. Broward County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that sheds light on the incident. The public can reach out to the Miramar Police Department at 954-602-4000 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.