The teenager of a Canadian diplomat has been killed in a shooting in Miami, Florida.
Gun shots rang out at a small apartment in Miami on Monday afternoon, killing two people and injuring a third. 17-year-old Jean Wabafiyebazu was one of the victims. His younger brother, 15-year-old Marc Wabafiyebazu has been arrested on murder charges. The boys' mother is Roxanne Dube, Canada’s Consul General in Miami. She assumed her post in February.
Dube's ex-husband, Germano Wabafiyebazu, still lives in Ottawa. He told CTV Ottawa that his eldest son was at the apartment to buy marijuana, while his youngest son stayed in the car parked nearby. There are reports that the brothers were using their mother's vehicle, which has diplomatic license plates.
"My young son in the car when he heard gunshots came out of the car and rushed inside and found Jean dead," he said.
"I don't know if he took the gun from the two or he had the gun and he starting shooting in the air and the police came and arrested him."
Wabafiyebazu admits his son Jean had a problem with drugs, but disputes reports that his sons went to the apartment with the intention to rob the drug dealers.
Wabafiyebazu said he didn't want his sons to move to Miami with their mother, but couldn't stop them because " for them it was a dream destination"
The Department of Foreign Affairs told CTV News it is aware of a “serious incident” in Miami involving a Canadian family.
“We are aware of reports of a serious incident involving a Canadian family in Miami. Canadian officials are providing assistance to the family,” said Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, John Babcock.
“A full investigation is underway and we will continue assisting local authorities.
To protect the private and personal information of the individuals concerned, further details on this case cannot be released,” the written statement said.
According to Foreign Affairs, diplomatic immunity does not extend to family members of consular officials.
Wabafiyebazu said that his son's body is expected to return to Canada shortly.
