NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Jamoree Ahmad Pitts in connection with a deadly shooting during a birthday celebration outside a North Miami Beach apartment complex.
The shooting occurred just after 1:30 a.m. on August 20 at the Harvard House Apartments on Northeast 169th Street. Police were alerted by ShotSpotter technology after multiple gunshots were detected near Northeast 20th Avenue.
Officers found 30-year-old Melvin Victor suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest in the courtyard where he was celebrating his birthday with family and friends. Victor was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Other attendees at the scene were unharmed.
Victor’s brother, Jude Denozil, told Local 10 News the family is devastated by the loss. He described Melvin as a respectful and reliable man who did not deserve such a tragic fate.
Investigators said a group of men approached Victor and his friends, asked questions, and then returned armed, firing roughly 31 rounds into the courtyard. Vehicles parked in the area were also struck by gunfire.
Using surveillance footage and facial recognition technology, police identified Pitts as one of the shooters. Detectives later conducted surveillance at his Miami Gardens home, confirming his identity and executing a search warrant. Officers recovered a firearm and ammunition matching evidence from the scene.
Pitts was taken into custody and booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces one count of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted felony murder with a firearm, seven counts of criminal mischief, and one count of discharging a firearm in a residential area. Pitts invoked his Miranda rights and declined to speak with investigators.
Melvin Victor worked for the city of North Miami Beach, just across the street from where he was fatally shot. Pitts remains in custody, with his bond yet to be set. The investigation continues.
