After nearly 30 years with the Miami Police Department, Detective Fernando Bosch is ready to retire. But before he turns the page, he wants to solve a three-year-old case.
"This is one of those cases where two very innocent victims were murdered," said Detective Bosch.
On April 2, 2014, Marquis Sams and Wilneka Pennyman were talking inside of a parked car on NE 63rd Street and First Avenue. Police said an SUV drove by and starting shooting.
"For someone to take your baby's life. Who are you to be God to take his life?" said Marquis Sams' grandmother, Joanne Sams.
Relatives said Marquis and Wilneka were friends just getting to know each other. Both were shot multiple times outside a home, and police believe the suspects took off westbound on NE 63rd Street.
Detective Bosch believes this could be a case of mistaken identity.
"They took my cousin away from me for no reason," said Shantonio Mikell, Wilneka's cousin.
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Marquis Sams' brother, Markell, had just been accepted at the Police Academy when his brother was killed. Now that he's a City of Miami police officer, he said his brother's death has taught him a valuable lesson.
"It makes me more sentimental towards people because I know what they're going through in those times because I've been through it myself," said Markell Sams.
Two lives were cut short at just 19 and 20 years old. Now, the two families are hoping for justice and closure.
"It won't bring her back, but you know it will bring some type of peace," said Mikell.
"I cry at night. I call Detective Bosch every other day seeing if he has any new leads and nothing has happened and it's been three years," said Joanne Sams.
If you can help solve this case, you may be eligible for a reward. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
