Evelyn Valdes Obituary, Death Cause: Woman fatally shot in Wynwood during police incident was celebrating her 28th birthday, family says
Evelyn Valdes Obituary, Death Cause – A woman tragically killed during a police-involved shooting in Wynwood over the weekend was celebrating her birthday when she was caught in the crossfire, her family said. Evelyn Valdes, who had just turned 28 on Wednesday, was out with friends in the early hours of Saturday morning when the incident occurred, leaving her loved ones devastated.
CBS News Miami spoke with Valdes’ family, who described her as an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time. The family, still reeling from the loss, said they are working with a lawyer to better understand the circumstances surrounding her death.
An online fundraiser launched by her mother paints a picture of Valdes as a bright and kind young woman. She was known for her warm smile, kind nature, and a personality that made everyone feel valued and seen. Friends and family remember her as someone who lit up every room she entered and deeply cared about the people in her life.
According to the City of Miami Police, the incident began as a street confrontation that escalated to gunfire. It happened at around 3 a.m. on NW 23rd Street and 1st Place, just outside two popular nightlife spots—Electric Lady and 1-800-Lucky. Video footage from the aftermath, shared by the social media account ONLYinDADE, showed a large police presence at the chaotic scene.
Investigators told CBS News Miami that officers arrived at the scene in response to the street altercation and encountered an armed man. Police said they were forced to fire during the confrontation. Both the armed man and an unidentified woman were killed during the exchange. While officials have not yet publicly released the identities of those killed, Valdes’ family confirmed that she was the woman struck and killed.
Witnesses who were nearby recalled the sudden outbreak of violence, describing the terrifying moments. One witness, J. Slaughter, said he heard about ten gunshots fired back and forth. “Next thing you know, you just see a bunch of people running,” he said. “There were cars skirting off.”
In addition to the two fatalities, police reported that another man was injured during the incident. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, though it remains unclear who shot him or how he became involved.
Because this was a police-involved shooting, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now handling the investigation, in accordance with standard procedure. The department will be examining the events that led up to the shooting, the conduct of the officers involved, and any potential criminal liability.
As the investigation continues, Valdes’ family is seeking answers and justice. What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving a grieving family and community searching for peace and accountability.
