Police have arrested a suspect in the 2024 killing of a well-known barber in North Miami Beach, Florida, more than a year after the crime, following new information from a witness.
Authorities said Ryan Sutton, 21, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Wilton Mena, a popular local barber who was fatally shot on Oct. 1, 2024.
Witness statement helps move case forward
Investigators said the case remained unsolved for months until a witness recently contacted police and described what she saw leading up to the shooting.
According to authorities, the woman delayed speaking with investigators because she feared retaliation and knew Sutton had access to a firearm.
Court records indicate the witness later confronted Sutton about the shooting, and he allegedly questioned why she had been speaking with another man before the incident.
Victim remembered by friends and customers
Mena was known in the community for his friendly personality and strong relationships with customers at his barbershop.
Friends said his barber chair remains empty, serving as a daily reminder of the loss.
“He was a great friend,” said Richie Perez, who knew Mena for years. Perez said the community had been hoping for an arrest since the shooting occurred.
Shooting happened early in the morning
Investigators said Mena had been rollerblading in his neighborhood around 2 a.m. on the day of the shooting. At one point, he stopped to check on a woman who appeared upset before skating away.
He was later found by children heading to school that morning.
Friends said Mena was known as a quiet person who avoided conflict and rarely had problems with others.
Suspect held without bond
Authorities confirmed that Sutton is currently being held without bond as the case moves through the court system.
Family members and friends of Mena said they are relieved that an arrest has finally been made and hope the case will bring justice for the beloved barber.