Miami, Florida Police Officer Shot and Killed 36-Year-Old DeCarlos Moore in Overtown

It was Monday at midday, two police officers pulled over a Honda accord near the 3^rd Ave Supermarket & Restaurant located at 1649 NW 3^rd Ave., in Miami, Florida, a shot was fired and a man's life ended.

At this point, it is unclear what happened that caused a police officer to make the traffic stop and ultimately fire the fatal shot that killed a 36 year old man identified as Decarlos Moore.

Reports have revealed that the deceased had a prison record, Moore was released from prison in 2007; he had served two prison terms, 10 months for cocaine trafficking and 14 years for second-degree murder charge in 1989.

What we do know based on what has been reported, DeCarlos Moore got out of the car as requested by one of the officers, Moore had no weapons, and was shot in the head by one officer who has only been identified as a 'rookie'. And one witness says he saw the officer clutch his head with both hands and pace back and forth. An investigation of the events that occurred will provide further details.

There has been outrage and speculation about the incident. Did the officer shot and kill Moore because he had a criminal record? Was the deadly shot fired due to some movement or reaction by Moore when he got out of the car? Did the police officer fear for his life and react? Why haven't the police provided more information and other questions and concerns are causing a community to become unsettled.

Recently, two Tampa, Florida police officers were shot and killed during a traffic stop. That incident makes one wonder if police officers are sub-consciously experiencing excessive fear for their lives while on duty. The author is in no way implying that "fear" justifies or gives police officers a license to shoot and kill citizens.

However, as a reslut of the shooting some citizens are voicing opinions that vary greatly, some folks are speculating that DeCarlos Moore was shot in the head and killed because he had a prior record, and sadly others seem to feel that he got what he deserved. Regardless of public opinion and speculation we have to wait for the findings of the investigation before concluding what did or did not happen; why the officer shot and killed a man during a midday traffic stop is currently unknown.

Both incidents are extremely tragic, but one must exercise self-control and patience as we wait for the facts in the deadly shooting of DeCarlos Moore in Overtown Miami, Florida. There is no connection between the Tampa incident and Miami shooting. Anger, rage and allegations will not bring closure to Moore's family and loved ones.

Undoubtedly, law enforcement must find a way to make traffic stops safer for motorist and police officers.

Sources:

Miami officer shoots, kills man in Overtown traffic stop - By Laura C. Morel, Miami Hearld
Officer Shoots, Kills Man During Traffic Stop - WPLG Local 10