Family Continues Searching for Justice After Fatal Shooting of Slain Community Activist

Shooter remains on the loose as mother refuses to let community forget her son's death

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells, a beloved community activist who was fatally shot outside his Liberty City restaurant, is pleading for information and justice months after her son's death. Wells, who created the 'Bikes Up, Guns Down' program, was killed in October, and the shooter remains at large. His mother, Mary Brown, holds a vigil on the 10th of each month to keep his memory alive and urge anyone with information to come forward.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and closure in the face of gun violence that plagues many urban communities. Wells was a respected activist working to reduce street violence, making his death all the more tragic. His mother's relentless pursuit of justice reflects the pain and determination of families who lose loved ones to senseless acts of violence.

The details

According to police, a man opened fire outside Wells' restaurant at Northwest 17th Avenue and 51st Street in October. Surveillance video showed people scattering and Wells collapsing after the bullets were fired. Police released video of the suspect, a man in a hoodie, running away from the scene, but the killer has not been caught.

  • On October 10, Dwight 'Screamer' Wells was fatally shot outside his restaurant.
  • Every 10th of the month, his mother Mary Brown holds a vigil to keep his memory alive and call for justice.

The players

Dwight 'Screamer' Wells

A beloved community activist who created the 'Bikes Up, Guns Down' program to reduce street violence in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood.

Mary Brown

The mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells, who has made it her mission to display photos of her son outside his restaurant and hold monthly vigils to mourn his loss and call for justice.

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What they’re saying

“We are gathered here today because we're getting justice for my son, Dwight 'Screamer' Wells.”

— Mary Brown, Mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells (wsvn.com)

“It means so much to me that they will find the murderer, because Screamer was a decent human being.”

— Mary Brown, Mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells (wsvn.com)

“Now you know, you know something.”

— Mary Brown, Mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells (wsvn.com)

“Come forward, please, because this is not right. Why are you holding that with you? Don't even take it to your death, bring it forth right now. Tell something that you know, that you are telling what you know about my son's murder.”

— Mary Brown, Mother of Dwight 'Screamer' Wells (wsvn.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and closure in the face of gun violence that plagues many urban communities. Wells' death is a tragic loss, but his mother's relentless pursuit of justice reflects the determination of families who lose loved ones to senseless acts of violence.