37-Year-Old Adrian Venereo Killed on Job in Miami; Suspect Luis David Lemus Arrested
Adrian Venereo, 37, a Miami locksmith, was fatally shot while assisting a resident with a lock. Police arrested Luis David Lemus for second-degree mur
The Miami community is grieving the tragic death of Adrian Venereo, a 37-year-old locksmith who was fatally shot Friday while assisting a man locked out of his apartment. Police say the incident occurred at the 6355 building on Southwest Eighth Street near 63rd Court, where Venereo was called to change a front door lock. Miami Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene on the building’s seventh floor around 6:20 p.m.
According to the City of Miami Police arrest report, 32-year-old Luis David Lemus and his father had attempted to change their front door lock but became locked out, prompting them to call Venereo for help. While Venereo was working, Lemus allegedly produced a revolver and shot him in the head before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured both Venereo and Lemus during the confrontation, including Lemus’s father screaming, “Why would you do that?” immediately after the shooting.
Police identified Lemus through video evidence and witness accounts. An autopsy confirmed the death was a homicide caused by a gunshot to the head. Lemus has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and is being held without bond at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Prosecutors say he confessed to the crime, although the motive remains unclear.
Family members described Adrian Venereo as a devoted father and hardworking individual who cared deeply for his wife and children, ages 9 and 13. Tributes on social media highlighted his kindness, professionalism, and dedication to helping others, painting a portrait of a man whose life was tragically cut short while performing his job.
The Miami community has rallied to support Venereo’s family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist his wife with funeral expenses and to provide for their children, raising nearly $12,000 in a short period. Local residents have expressed sorrow and outrage over the senseless act, emphasizing the impact on both the family and the neighborhood.
Adrian Venereo’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by everyday workers in their line of duty. Community leaders, neighbors, and loved ones continue to mourn his loss while calling for justice. Investigators are still reviewing evidence to better understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while family and friends remember him for the compassion, dedication, and care he brought to his life and work.