Canada’s Consul General in Florida released a statement today, in light of the murder of one son and the arrest of another.  Roxanne Dubé thanked people for their outpouring of support over the last few days.

‘We can only hope that, in time, we will find common purpose towards diminishing the causes of such violent crimes,’ Dubé wrote.

Her 17-year-old son Jean Wabafiyebazu died Monday afternoon in a violent shoot-out inside a house in Miami.  Miami Police allege the two brothers had attempted to steal two pounds of marijuana from a drug dealer.  Jean was killed, along with another man in an exchange of fire. Marc Wabafiyebazuand a second man have been arrested. Marc has also been charged with threatening to kill a police officer.

In her statement, Dubé added:

"For now, we just want to be there for Marc, our incredibly caring son who loved his brother very much, and to say goodbye, ever so tenderly and quietly to Jean, our love.'

Marc remains in custody in Florida.  Foreign Affairs today clarified the vehicle police allege was used in the crime was Dube's personal vehicle with consular plates. The department added that it is offering assistance to Dubé and her family.

‘The consulate in Miami continues to operate normally and Canadian representatives remain available to serve Canadians,’ explained John Babcock, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. ‘Louise Léger has been named acting Head of Mission on an interim basis.’

 

Statement from Roxanne Dubé and her family:

"We would like to express our most profound thanks for the outpouring of support we have received in the last few days.  Although we have not been able to respond to all of your messages, we want you to know that they touched us deeply.

“We also want to express our most sincere condolences to the family of Joshua Wright who have also lost their son and to all of those who have been so tragically affected in this unimaginable circumstance. Your grief is our grief.

“We can only hope that, in time, we will find common purpose towards diminishing the causes of such violent crimes.

“For now, we just want to be there for Marc, our incredibly caring son who loved his brother very much, and to say goodbye, ever so tenderly and quietly to Jean, our love.

“It is requested that our privacy be respected in this difficult time.”

Roxanne and Family.