Jukebox song selection reportedly led to deadly shooting at Fort Lauderdale restaurant

Updated on: September 23, 2024 / 12:45 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE – A deadly shooting at a Fort Lauderdale restaurant overnight has left the community in shock, with witnesses claiming the violence stemmed from an argument over a jukebox song selection. The incident occurred at a strip mall on Davie Road near State Road 7, inside the popular Antojitos Mexicanos restaurant.

According to Mauro Bonilla, a frequent customer, the confrontation began when a man played a song on the jukebox that another patron found offensive. “You’re not a real Mexican if you play that music,” the second customer reportedly said, sparking a heated exchange.

What started as an argument quickly escalated into tragedy. “The guy who got insulted pulled his weapon and started shooting,” Bonilla recounted. “He didn’t give the other guy a chance.”

The victim, identified as Socorro Camacho, was killed in the shooting. His brother, visibly distraught, arrived at the scene after the tragedy and was informed by police that Socorro had died from the gunfire. “I hope they capture the person who killed him,” she said.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene. The restaurant’s manager confirmed that the shooter ran off before police arrived.

Fort Lauderdale police have yet to make an arrest but confirmed that the incident began as a dispute inside the restaurant. The community, shaken by the violence, expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could happen in what is usually a peaceful neighborhood.

“It’s just sad,” Bonilla added. “This is a good neighborhood, and it never happens here. I’m very shocked that someone got shot and killed.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooter to come forward as they continue their investigation into the incident.