Prosecutors have cleared Miami police officers of wrongdoing in the accidental shooting death of Evelyn Valdes, 28, who was struck by a stray bullet while in her SUV on June 14, 2025. The incident occurred in the Wynwood neighborhood during a confrontation with an armed suspect, Norman Lindo. Bodycam footage released on Monday shows officers firing 14 shots at Lindo, who was pushing people aside while carrying a handgun. Valdes was reportedly celebrating her birthday at the time.
Valdes' family has expressed outrage, calling the decision a "cover-up" and vowing to pursue legal action. "It’s definitely a cover-up, and it’s sad that the system has failed us," said Kristy Garcia, Valdes' mother. "My daughter was a civilian, too, and they killed her, not the suspect, so I’m angry."
The family's legal team is amending a lawsuit against the Miami Police Department, arguing that the officers did not attempt de-escalation tactics before opening fire. "Yes, there was an individual with a gun, but the videos show they started shooting at him without using any de-escalatory tactics, they did not ask him to drop his weapon," stated their lawyer, Ray Rasco. The family's attorney also noted that footage suggests Lindo's firearm was not pointed at anyone.
Officials stated that the officers’ body cameras were muted until after the shots were fired, meaning there is no audio of the interaction immediately preceding the gunfire. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office reportedly indicated in its case closeout memo that two officers had ordered Lindo to drop his weapon. Lindo was also killed in the incident. The Miami Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigation.