Miami school superintendent helps in search of teen's killer

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A top school official heard a family's painful plea and took action in the wake of a teen tragedy.

The young victim, Brian Herrera, was shot while riding his bike and left to die. He was shot and killed on the morning of Dec. 22 on 11th Avenue and Northwest 39th Street.

The tragedy shattered his family's Christmas and left them with more questions than answers.

The victim's father William Herrera said, "There's somebody out there killing our future, killing our families, one at a time."

The teen's family, friends and Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho gathered to hang up flyers around the community hoping they might find answers.

White flyers have peppered a Miami neighborhood. A piece of paper, a painful reminder for the Herrera family that the killer of their 16-year-old-son is still on the loose.

Carvalho gathered the Herrera family and students at Miami Jackson Senior High to spread the word and ask for help. "I am tired of burying my children, and I am tired of hugging parents and consoling parents during these unimaginable tough times that they go through," said Carvalho.

Students stapled and taped flyers around town, trying to cope with the unfamiliar feeling of loss.

His friend Dwayne Manning said, "That shows how much everyone cares, and it shows how much everybody cares about the students in the school."

In just one day, they were able to cover 10 blocks of territory in hopes that someone would be able to help Brian's family and friends find closure. "It will bring some peace of mind to us, into our community," said Brian's father.

Student Lydiana Ortega said, "No family deserves this. No family deserves to have to try to find a killer."

A viewing took place Thursday evening for Brian and a makeshift memorial continues to grow in his honor.

The family is asking, 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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