Disturbing bodycam video shows the moment an innocent bystander was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a police shootout in Florida.
Evelyn Valdes, 28, was sitting in the back of an SUV celebrating her birthday in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood on June 14, 2025, when she was hit by police gunfire.
The footage shows officers firing approximately 14 rounds at Norman Lindo, who was carrying a gun, apparently unaware that Valdes had also been struck.
Police killed Lindo, while Valdes was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Another bystander was injured in the exchange of gunfire.
Two weeks ago, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office cleared the three officers involved of wrongdoing.
After the bodycam video was released, Valdes’s family filed an amended lawsuit against the Miami Police Department (MPD).
The lawsuit, cited by NBC Miami, alleges that MPD Sgt Javier Herbello and MPD Officer Dorian Acosta ‘opened fire without warning’ during the confrontation.
The family claims the officers failed to issue verbal commands or make any effort to de-escalate the situation before shooting.
Evelyn Valdes, 28, was fatally struck by a stray bullet after police opened fire on a man with a gun on June 14, 2025
MPD Sgt Javier Herbello and MPD Officer Dorian Acosta fired multiple shots at Norman Lindo, also striking Valdes inside a nearby SUV
‘Yes, there was an individual with a gun, but the videos show they started shooting at him without using any de-escalatory tactics, they did not ask him to drop his weapon, to put down his weapon, to cease and desist,’ said Ray Rasco, the lawyer representing Valdes’s family.
The State Attorney’s Office disputed Rasco’s account, saying officers did tell Lindo to drop his weapon.
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The bodycam recording is partially muted during the confrontation, and the audio becomes audible only after the shots have been fired.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, the officer’s camera was muted at that stage of the incident.
At a news conference, Valdes’s grieving brother Jose said his sister’s death was being treated as ‘collateral damage.’
‘It’s very clear from multiple angles and footage that the firearm was never pointed at anyone, his arm was fully extended to the ground,’ Jose said.
‘They’re definitely trying to cover up something, they’re definitely trying to find a way to protect these officers that were involved.’
Valdes was remembered for her warm smile, generous spirit and ability to brighten any room, according to a GoFundMe campaign created for her.
Police killed Lindo, while Valdes was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead; another bystander was also injured
Valdes’s family amended its lawsuit against the Miami Police Department after the bodycam video was released
‘She loved deeply, gave freely, and made everyone feel like they mattered. Her presence was a gift, and her loss leaves a space no one can ever fill,’ read the fundraiser.
Valdes’s mother, Kristy Garcia, said the officers panicked during the shooting and placed nearby civilians at risk.
‘They shot because they were scared for their lives and lives of civilians, but what about my daughter? My daughter was a civilian, too, and they killed her, not the suspect, so I’m angry, yes, it’s wrong, it’s definitely a coverup and it’s sad that the system has failed us,’ said Garcia.
Our News Outlet has contacted the Miami Police Department and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for comment.
