Cairi McNear was 17 and living in Miami when he was shot and killed on May 4, 2022. The shooting happened in a drive-by on the 7100 block of 14th Place in northwest Miami-Dade as he was heading to school. Family described him as lively and energetic.

Police say a 15-year-old got into an argument with Cairi, pulled a gun from his pants and shot him multiple times before fleeing on a minibike; that suspect was arrested and later charged with second-degree murder. Surveillance footage released by police reportedly shows the moments before the shooting. A vigil and balloon release were held at Charles Hadley Park as the community mourned.

The loss prompted reflection about gun violence and its toll on families and neighborhoods. If anyone knew Cairi or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you remember.