Two men in Florida are now facing serious charges for allegedly shooting and killing a young mother and her 4-year-old daughter earlier this year. The tragic incident happened late one night on Florida’s Turnpike, leaving the community in shock and heartbroken.
Beatrice Saintvil, 28, and her daughter Janelle were driving north on the Turnpike near Hollywood Boulevard and Mile Marker 49 when the unimaginable occurred. Authorities say Antoine Harris, 28, and Jaquan Thomas, 29, opened fire on their vehicle on June 7, around 11:15 p.m., killing both the mother and daughter. On Friday, after months of investigation, police charged Harris and Thomas with two counts of first-degree murder each. Thomas, already jailed in Georgia for unrelated crimes, will be extradited to Broward County, while Harris was arrested the same day in Miami Gardens.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement that Harris will soon be transferred to Broward County. Meanwhile, Thomas will also be brought back from Georgia to face these charges.
Heartbreaking details from that night reveal Beatrice Saintvil’s desperate attempt to protect her daughter during their final moments. In a 911 call transcript, Saintvil is heard frantically saying, “Where’s the baby?” and “Get up, get up,” as she tried to reach her daughter. Tragically, Janelle was pronounced dead at the scene, while Saintvil succumbed to her injuries later at a hospital.
One witness, Anyley Cabrera, was driving home from work that night and saw the aftermath of the shooting. She described Saintvil’s car as being completely riddled with bullets. “The car was destroyed,” Cabrera recalled.
Investigators are still trying to understand what led to this senseless act. Earlier in the year, authorities speculated whether it was a case of road rage or if the victims were targeted. Claudinne Caro, a spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, called the crime heartbreaking. “This is one of those cases that truly breaks your heart,” Caro said. “A mom and her 4-year-old daughter shot to death inside their car.”
Family members, including Saintvil’s sister, Kyanna Librun, are desperate for answers. Speaking to media, Librun expressed her grief and frustration. “We want to know who did it,” she said. “We want to see their face and ask them why. Why? A 4-year-old baby girl and a 27-year-old mother who never had a problem with anyone—why?”
The case had drawn significant public attention, with a $20,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. While police have now charged Harris and Thomas, it’s unclear how they are connected to the victims or the motive behind the shooting.
Beatrice and Janelle were remembered as kind and warm-hearted individuals who touched the lives of many. Their family started a GoFundMe campaign to honor their memory, describing their unwavering spirit and the love they brought to those around them.
Harris and Thomas are expected to be booked into Broward County’s Main Jail after their extradition. This devastating incident has left many in the community grieving, hoping for justice and answers to why such a senseless tragedy occurred.
