MIAMI – An up-and-coming Miami rapper has been identified as the victim of a murder that sparked violence in the streets of Liberty City on Monday night.
According to City of Miami police, Robert Labranche was shot and killed near a car wash on NW 7th Avenue and 54th Street, while his two young children sat inside his SUV. The children did not see their father's murder.
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Friends and family of the 37-year-old say he was well liked in South Florida's music community, where he was known as "Bizzle." A crowd of nearly 100 people gathered in the streets when they heard the news of his death, expressing their anger and grief.
"He's a good guy. He would help you. I worked for him," said Rod Parker.
When the crowd became emotional, police moved in to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Distraught family members had to be held back by police as investigators tried to remove Labranche's body from the scene and collect evidence. Officers had to remove two of them from the area who rushed towards the crime scene.
"This is a crime and part of this crime is collecting evidence which is of most importance if we are going to bring this individual to justice," said Detective Willie Moreno. "Emotions are very, very high, this is someone that was definitely loved not just by his family, but by his community."
Police believe Labranche was involved in an argument with the shooter moments before his death.
They have not named any suspects in the shooting and say the investigation is ongoing.