Local rapper killed in shooting

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Police are investigating the murder of a South Florida rapper and family man who was shot and killed near his children, Monday night.

On Tuesday morning, a mourner dropped off flowers at the site where Robert Labranche, a local rapper known as "Bizzle," was murdered.

Monday evening, a gunman opened fire at the car wash near 770 NW 54 St. According to police, the victim stopped at the car wash and someone shot him as his daughter and son sat inside the car, nearby.

Dozens of family members and friends crowded the area to pay their respects. "He don't bother nobody; he's always doing his job. He's a hardworking man," said a friend.

The victim's sister was left devastated by the shooting. She cried out as a loved one tried to console her. "Oh, my brother, they killed my brother for nothing," she wailed, as she collapsed into the arms of a relative.

Inconsolable relatives rushed past police officers and passed crime scene tape, forcing officers to restrain them. "They obviously wanted to grab that family member here, they wanted to grab him one last time, possibly," said Miami Police Detective Willie Moreno.

Police said Labranche's kids were not harmed. "Fortunately, they didn't see the actual incident, and they are currently, right now, unharmed with family members," said Moreno.

According to friends and family, Labranche owned part of the car wash and was there on business. Eric Nicolas, a cousin of the victim said, "He was just a laid back guy who wanted to help everybody out."

Police are looking for a man wearing all black who fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Friends said they do not know why anyone would want to kill Labranche, but they hope police track the gunman down. "He's a very nice guy," said Nicolas. "The only thing he tried to do was help us out, help his family out."

"He was a loving father," said his sister. "He took care of his kids."

The morning after, a memorial remains for the deceased. Friends continue to come by to pay their respects. Among them, family friend Deacon Gilley. "There's too much crime, there's too much killing in this community," he said, "but, again, I came to pray-- because he has two small children-- that God will intervene in this."

Surveillance cameras at the business may have caught something that could help police catch the gunman.

If you have any information on this murder, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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