A routine food delivery turned into a homicide investigation in Miami Gardens after a man who police say tried to rob a delivery driver was fatally shot, prosecutors said. The case centers on a parking-lot encounter August 6 in the 20300 block of Northwest 34th Court and led to the arrest and charging of a 19-year-old on Wednesday.
Charges filed after robbery attempt
Authorities identified the charged suspect as Jabari Joshua Thomas, 19. Thomas faces counts including second-degree felony murder and armed robbery, according to court documents. He made his first appearance in Miami-Dade court on Aug. 12 and was ordered held without bond.
Police said the confrontation began when a food delivery driver arrived at a residence to drop off an order that included banana pudding. Two men — Thomas and a 20-year-old identified as Demetrius Tromain Travis — allegedly attempted to rob the driver. The warrant states Thomas climbed into the backseat of the vehicle and at one point placed a firearm to the driver’s head.
Driver fired; one suspect killed
According to the arrest affidavit, the suspects tried to access the driver’s CashApp account when the delivery driver produced his own firearm and opened fire. Officers said Travis was struck in the leg, chest and face. He was airlifted to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene and was not charged, the documents show. Witnesses reported seeing a second suspect fleeing on foot toward a white vehicle, prompting police to issue a
"Be On the Lookout"for the car. The vehicle was later located in Miramar and Thomas was taken into custody, authorities said.
- Date of incident: Aug. 6
- Location: 20300 block of NW 34th Court, Miami Gardens
- Charged: Jabari Joshua Thomas, 19 — second-degree felony murder, armed robbery
- Deceased: Demetrius Tromain Travis, 20 — shot, airlifted to hospital, pronounced dead
- Driver: Stayed at scene; not charged
Legal and community implications
Prosecutors say Thomas is responsible for the killing because the death occurred during the course of an alleged armed robbery. Under Florida law, a homicide committed during the commission of certain felonies can elevate criminal exposure. Court records note Thomas could face a life sentence if convicted of murder.
The incident underscores concerns about safety for gig-economy workers who make deliveries across neighborhoods. While the delivery driver in this case was the individual who fired the fatal shots, authorities have not filed charges against him, indicating investigators and prosecutors determined the shooting occurred under circumstances that did not warrant criminal charges for the driver.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspects named | Jabari Joshua Thomas, 19; Demetrius Tromain Travis, 20 |
| Victim outcome | Travis shot, airlifted, pronounced dead |
| Driver | Remained at scene; not charged |
| Vehicle | Found in Miramar; led to Thomas' arrest |
Thomas was arrested after Miami-Dade police located the vehicle in neighboring Miramar, officials said. He was taken into custody and later presented to a judge, where he was ordered held without bond pending further proceedings.
As the case moves through the courts, it raises questions for residents in Miami Gardens about street-level robberies and the safety of persons working in delivery services. Law enforcement has not released additional details about any ongoing search for the second individual seen fleeing the scene, and the investigation remains active.
Prosecutors will determine whether the evidence supports the murder and robbery charges as the case progresses toward pretrial hearings. The criminal complaint and police reports filed in the matter will be central to the state’s argument if the case proceeds to trial.
