A domestic‑violence incident resulted in two deaths on Wednesday at an apartment complex near Northeast 14th Avenue and 171st Street in Miami‑Dade County. Deputies responding to the scene found the bodies of a woman identified as Denis Polo Fuentes and her ex‑partner, Franky Paba, inside the unit.
According to NBC6, the incident began when Fuentes’ cousin, Maria Espinosa, arrived with Fuentes to retrieve personal belongings after the couple had separated a few months earlier. Espinosa said Paba let them into the apartment, after which the situation quickly escalated.
“When he walks out of the room, he’s waving the gun,” Espinosa recalled. “He was able to lock the door, and then he said that nobody was coming out of there alive.” Espinosa attempted to leave the apartment, but Paba fired a shot, striking Fuentes. She described pleading with Paba, saying, “But Franky, please don’t, don’t, what are you doing? Please stop. I’m not with anybody. I just don’t want to be with you anymore. Please leave me alone, let me get my stuff, let me get out of here.”
Investigators later determined that Paba shot and killed Fuentes before turning the gun on himself, resulting in both victims being found dead at the scene. Espinosa said she witnessed her cousin being killed in front of her and then saw Paba commit suicide.
Fuentes, a Colombian immigrant who moved to the United States ten years ago, was described by Espinosa as a “happy person” ready to start a new chapter in her life. The tragedy has left family members grieving and questioning why the violence was not prevented.
Espinosa claimed that Fuentes had attempted to obtain a restraining order against Paba. NBC6 contacted local police and reviewed court records but did not locate any restraining‑order paperwork related to the case.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about domestic‑violence safety in the community. Authorities have urged anyone experiencing similar situations to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233), visit thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522 for assistance.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are reviewing any additional evidence that may clarify the events leading up to the tragedy. No further arrests have been reported, and the investigation remains active.
Sources: nbcmiami.com
