A gunman who said he was high on mushrooms when he randomly and fatally shot a tourist eating dinner with his family at a Miami Beach restaurant back in 2021 has pleaded guilty in the killing.
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Tamarius Blair Davis pleaded guilty Wednesday to second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, and child abuse in the August 24, 2021 killing of 21-year-old Dustin Wakefield.
A judge will decide his fate at a future sentencing hearing.
According to an arrest report, Davis, now 27, told police he approached the patio area of the La Cerveceria restaurant on Ocean Drive and randomly decided to shoot Wakefield, who was on vacation from Castle Rock, Colorado.
Davis told investigators he shot Wakefield because he “was high on mushrooms, which made him feel empowered,” the report said.
In a short video taken immediately after the shooting, people are heard screaming. A witness said he appeared to be celebrating, dancing over the victim’s body.
Michael Wakefield, the victim’s uncle, said in a Facebook post that Dustin Wakefield died protecting his 1-year-old son.
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“First of all, I want to say that I’m very proud of my nephew Dustin Wakefield. Yesterday while eating lunch with his family in Miami, Florida, a dirtbag with a gun approached Dustin and his family. Dustin stood between the gunman and his family and was shot 3-4 times and lost his life,” he wrote. “Dustin saved his family and innocent bystanders by standing up in the face of evil.”
Davis fled the restaurant, police said, and was captured in a nearby alley. Cellphone video provided to NBC6 by the Miami Herald showed Davis lying spread-eagle on his back and smiling as three officers approached with their guns pointed towards him yelling commands, warning him that if he touches his gun he will be shot.
Davis then rolled onto his side into a fetal position, before again rolling onto his back as officers approached. Davis screamed “I give, I give, I give” as officers flip him onto his stomach and handcuff him. The video showed a black handgun lying about 10 feet away.
Another cellphone video obtained by the Herald showed Davis shooting while walking toward Ocean Drive moments before he shot Wakefield.
Davis, of Norcross, Georgia, had traveled to Miami Beach with some friends, his father said. He said his son has never been in trouble or had mental health issues.