Hialeah police responded to a domestic shooting that left a man dead on Wednesday morning.
According to Lt. Eddie Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Hialeah Police Department, Victoria Marie Gonzalez, 25, and her friend, Omar Jamal Huggins, 23, were present when her ex-boyfriend, Christian Rueda, 26, arrived unexpectedly at the home.
According to detectives, Rueda confronted Huggins and started attacking him shortly later. Rodriguez confirmed that Huggins told Rueda about his firearm ownership, which resulted in a conflict.
Huggins, who was legally carrying a concealed pistol at the time, attempted to stop the attack, but police say Rueda tried to take the gun from him, resulting in a fight.
During the scuffle, authorities say the gun went off, killing Rueda.
Huggins and Gonzalez were both taken to Hialeah police headquarters, where, according to Rodiguez, detectives interviewed them.
“Ms. Gonzalez and Mr. Huggins both fully cooperated with the investigation, and it was determined that this was a case of self-defense and thus, a justifiable shooting,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
Police stated both vehicles were towed after the collision for further investigation.
According to detectives, Rueda had a “long criminal history” that included stalking, harassment, and a previous domestic abuse complaint against Gonzalez.
Police stated that the inquiry has been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for final assessment.
