23-Year-Old Killed at Miami Karnival Festival

Family mourns loss of young man at annual Little Haiti event

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:22am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on the ground, capturing the stark, gritty details of the crime scene in a dramatic, investigative style.A single bullet casing left behind at the scene of a tragic shooting exposes the harsh realities of violence at a beloved community festival.Today in Miami

A 23-year-old man was shot and killed late Sunday night near the main stage of the Taste of Miami Karnival festival in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood. Two other people were also injured in the shooting. The victim's family described him as a 'beacon of light' and 'great smile, great energy, great aura' who was beloved by his family and friends.

Why it matters

The shooting at a popular community festival in Little Haiti has left a family devastated and raised concerns about public safety at large events. Miami police say the shooting appears to have been a 'crime of opportunity', highlighting the challenges of securing open-air festivals and the need for improved security measures.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred around 11 PM near the main stage of the Taste of Miami Karnival in the area of Northeast 2nd Avenue and Northeast 62nd Street. Three victims, two men and a woman, were found shot and rushed to the hospital. One of the men, 23-year-old Kitchner Cyrille, did not survive. The other man and woman suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and leg respectively.

  • The shooting happened late Sunday night near the main stage of the Taste of Miami Karnival festival.
  • Kitchner Cyrille was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The players

Kitchner Cyrille

A 23-year-old man who was killed in the shooting at the Taste of Miami Karnival festival. His family described him as a 'beacon of light' with a 'great smile, great energy, great aura'.

Chrislyne Brumaire-Florence

Kitchner Cyrille's aunt, who said the family is heartbroken and grieving over his death.

Rene Charles

Kitchner Cyrille's uncle, who said he was a beloved son, nephew, cousin and friend who had a passion for fitness and the outdoors.

Manuel Morales

Miami Police Chief, who said the shooting appears to have been a 'crime of opportunity' and that no one is in custody but there is a person of interest.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, just a gaping hole.”

— Chrislyne Brumaire-Florence, Kitchner Cyrille's aunt

“Great smile, great energy, great aura. You don't wake up thinking you're going to lose someone you love this close and you were with them prior.”

— Rene Charles, Kitchner Cyrille's uncle

“Heartbreaking, a gaping hole, a nightmare.”

— Chrislyne Brumaire-Florence, Kitchner Cyrille's aunt

“Most helpful hand in the family. If you need something, he will sacrifice his time to do it all.”

— Rene Charles, Kitchner Cyrille's uncle

“No matter how much planning you have, it is incredibly hard to dissuade someone who has a target in mind. It appears to be a crime of opportunity.”

— Manuel Morales, Miami Police Chief

What’s next

Miami Police say they are continuing to investigate the shooting and are searching for a person of interest. The family is calling for improved security measures at large community events to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a beloved neighborhood festival has left a family devastated and raised urgent questions about public safety and security at crowded events. As Miami grapples with this senseless act of violence, the community must come together to find ways to protect innocent lives and ensure that beloved traditions like the Taste of Miami Karnival can continue safely.