Man Arrested on Murder Charge After Fatal Shooting at Florida City Hotel

Authorities have arrested a South Florida man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month inside a Florida City hotel room, according to investigators.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Jeffrey Joseph Dabdoub Jr., 21, of Homestead, was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder. The arrest stems from a Jan. 26 shooting at a room inside the Belmont Inn.

According to the arrest report, investigators say the suspect and the victim were involved in a verbal dispute inside the hotel room. Authorities allege the suspect armed himself with a firearm and ordered the victim to leave at gunpoint.

When the victim later returned to retrieve personal belongings, detectives say the suspect again pointed the weapon — this time at both the victim and the victim’s mother — escalating the confrontation. Investigators allege the suspect then fired multiple shots, fatally striking the victim.

The victim’s identity has not been publicly released.

Detectives interviewed the suspect shortly after the incident. Officials say additional evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted earlier statements, leading to the arrest. The case remains active as prosecutors review evidence.

A criminal arrest addresses alleged violations of Florida law and focuses on punishment and public safety. However, a fatal incident can also give rise to civil legal claims independent of the criminal process.

Surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Potential civil issues sometimes examined include:

• Premises security and safety measures
• Prior incidents or warnings
• Property management practices
• Lighting, surveillance, or access controls

These questions are separate from criminal guilt and are evaluated under civil standards of proof.

Hotels and lodging properties owe a duty to take reasonable security measures to protect guests and visitors from foreseeable harm. Whether a property could face civil exposure depends on highly fact-specific circumstances, including:

• History of violent incidents
• Adequacy of security staffing
• Surveillance coverage
• Access control measures
• Response protocols

Not every criminal act creates property liability — but investigators may review whether preventable security failures contributed to the harm.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Incident

Florida’s wrongful death laws allow certain surviving relatives to seek compensation when another party’s negligence plays a role in a fatal event. Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering

These claims are distinct from any criminal prosecution and require independent legal investigation.

Law enforcement focuses on determining criminal responsibility. Civil accountability often requires additional examination of:

• Security footage and access records
• Property safety policies
• Witness statements
• Incident history
• Evidence preservation

Early review can be critical to understanding whether additional liability exists.

Representation for Families After Fatal Incidents

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida following wrongful death incidents involving violence, negligence, or unsafe premises.

We intentionally limit our caseload so families receive direct attorney attention and a thorough, respectful investigation.

Our firm can assist by:

• Conducting independent civil investigations
• Evaluating potential premises liability
• Preserving evidence
• Pursuing compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation.

📞 If your family has been affected by a fatal incident in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.