MIAMI – A vigil was held in Florida City on Sunday night to remember 13-year-old Johvan “Woodah” Taylor, who tragically lost his life in a shooting over the weekend that also left another child hospitalized.
The shooting occurred on Saturday around 8 p.m. along Northwest 6th Avenue, with Ring camera footage capturing multiple rounds of gunfire aimed at a group of juveniles standing outside a home. Florida City Police initially responded, and the investigation has since been handed over to Miami Dade Police. Authorities confirmed that Taylor and another child were caught in the crossfire.
Johvan, affectionately known as “Woodah,” was the nephew of Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander, who graduated from Florida International University. Family members and community supporters gathered to mourn the loss of the young boy, who had recently celebrated his 13th birthday in November. His aunt, Jakilah Brady, expressed her disbelief at the tragedy. “I’m just confused, I’m in shock, I don’t believe it, I feel like it’s all a dream. I just want to wake up,” she said.
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Taylor was remembered for his love of football, dancing, family, and food. “My nephew is hurting; he’s five years old. He has to now live without a brother,” Brady added. “My sister is hurting, she has to live without her firstborn. Somebody that she birthed because of something he had nothing to do with.”
Those who knew Taylor described him as a bright and kind-hearted boy. “Everybody says my child is a good child, but no, that one was a good child,” said Cheryl Walker, a family friend.
Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace addressed the community’s safety concerns, stating that efforts have been made to improve security in the area. “In the past few weeks, we’ve added more police officers, and we’ve invested a quarter of a million dollars in surveillance cameras in high-crime areas,” Wallace said. “We also funded a $250,000 mobile suppression unit to target high-crime zones.” Wallace also advocated for stricter gun laws in response to the senseless violence.
Woodah’s family is seeking justice and closure for the loss of their loved one. “Woodah would do anything to help anybody, so if you can do anything to help him, please, we need closure,” said Brady.
The other child who was injured in the shooting is reported to be in stable condition. Miami Dade Police are continuing to interview witnesses but have not made any arrests yet.
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