Tip leads to arrest in decade-long cold case murder in North Miami Beach

Annex Jean was murdered, riddled with bullets, in a North Miami Beach ambush shooting just over 10 years ago. His alleged killer has been on the lam ever since, until a tip cracked the cold case and lead to his arrest Saturday.

“For years, this case remained unsolved but not forgotten,” said North Miami Beach Police Chief Juan Pinillos at a press conference Thursday. “[Our detectives’] persistence ultimately led to securing an arrest warrant….”

Damian Williams, 33, was arrested in Fort Lauderdale and charged with murder in the second degree with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to police. He is a three-time convicted felon with gang connections.

On Oct. 1, 2015, Jean, 31, was walking home late at night when he was suddenly ambushed and shot several times — he died from his injuries.

Nearly a year ago, North Miami Beach Police’s Cold Case detectives received a “promising lead” that led to interviews, re-examining evidence and search warrants.

Detective Denham Pamela, who’s been on the job for 30 years, thanked the community for getting involved and relaying what information they had. Citing an open investigation, officials could not divulge what was the lead that culminated in the arrest.

Pamela said more arrests in this case may be pending, and also are connected to gang ties. When Pamela told Jean’s family they caught Jean’s alleged murderer, she said it was heartwarming.

“There’s nothing like that hug that you get from the family when they find out an arrest has been made,” she said. “It’s really special.”

On behalf of Jean’s family, Det. Jodi Schuster shared their statement describing their relief of an arrest but also sharing the pain they still feel.

“My family has lived with heartbreak and unanswered questions,” Jean’s sister wrote. “We hope my brother’s story reminds the community that every life matters and deserves justice. He was loved, needed and he is missed every single day. Our pain doesn’t disappear, but the truth gives us light again.”