Location: Liberty City, Miami, Florida
Date: October 10, 2025
Accused: Jamar Lionel Jenkins, 39
Charges: Second-degree murder
Status: Arrested October 14, 2026; held without bond
Dwight C. Wells, a 40-year-old Miami business owner and anti-violence activist, was shot and killed outside his restaurant in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Florida, on October 10, 2025. A little more than a year later, Miami police say they have made an arrest. Jamar Lionel Jenkins, 39, was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and is charged with second-degree murder.
For Wells' family, the arrest ends twelve months of waiting. His mother, Mary Brown, had publicly asked for anyone with information to come forward. After the arrest was announced, she told CBS News Miami she felt "reborn again."
Who Was Dwight Wells?
Wells, also known as "Screamer," ran a restaurant called Winning and Won Turkey Legs on Northwest 17th Avenue, according to NBC 6 South Florida. Local reporting describes him as the founder of "Wheels Up, Guns Down," an anti-violence effort aimed at young people in Miami. His aunt told NBC 6 the movement was called "Bikes Up, Guns Down."
NBC 6 described Wells as a business owner and activist who spoke up for the community's youth. Miami Police Chief Edwin Lopez said Wells had been working with law enforcement for the betterment of the community. After his death, Local 10 News reported that a vigil and a caravan were planned in his honor.
What Happened in Liberty City?
On Friday, October 10, 2025, Wells was playing dominoes outside his restaurant when a gunman walked up and opened fire, according to an arrest report cited by NBC 6. He died from his injuries. Police said at the time that the shooter wore a dark face mask, a dark hoodie, black gloves and dark pants.
For months the case stayed open. In December 2025, CBS News Miami reported that the lead detective, Roberto Gonzalez, said police had received only a few tips. Wells' sister, Trawonna Brown, urged anyone with information to come forward: "if you know something, say something." His mother said an arrest "would be a great relief to me."
Has Anyone Been Arrested?
Yes. Jamar Lionel Jenkins was arrested by the U.S. Marshals, CBS News Miami reported. NBC 6 said he was booked into jail and was being held without bond as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. He faces a charge of second-degree murder.
According to the reports, investigators connected Jenkins to the case through phone call records, searches of his car and home, and his iCloud records. NBC 6 reported that five spent shell casings found at the scene were linked to a separate homicide in North Miami, which led to Jenkins and his brother being arrested for unlawful discharge of a firearm. Chief Lopez said Jenkins had been arrested before on firearms charges.
Jenkins has been charged but not convicted. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
What Police Have Said About a Possible Motive
The arrest report offers a possible motive. According to that report, a family member said Wells had been convicted in the 2004 killing of Jenkins' brother, Anthony Jenkins, and that several relatives were still upset about it. NBC 6 reported that Wells was sentenced to 10 years in that case and was released on October 1, 2013.
When detectives interviewed Jenkins in February 2026, he denied knowing that Wells had been convicted in his brother's death, according to the warrant cited by NBC 6. Wells' mother told CBS News Miami she had never heard of Jenkins before the arrest. These details come from police paperwork and have not been tested in court.
Chief Lopez spoke about the wider impact of the killing. "These cases don't only impact the family; they impact the community," he said, as quoted by CBS News Miami.
How Wells' Family Reacted
Mary Brown's reaction to the news was one of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, God. Hallelujah. I'm thrilled to the soul," she told CBS News Miami. Speaking to NBC 6, she said, "Screamer got justice!"
The family has said it plans community events in Wells' honor and hopes to reopen his restaurant, NBC 6 reported. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at Charles Hadley Park, according to CBS News Miami.
What Happens Next
As of the latest reports, no next court date or bond hearing date had been made public. Any evidence in the case, including the arrest report's account of a possible motive, would have to be proven in court.
Timeline of the Dwight Wells Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2013 | Wells is released from prison in an earlier case, NBC 6 reported. |
| October 10, 2025 (Friday) | Wells is shot and killed while playing dominoes outside his Liberty City restaurant. |
| October 13, 2025 (Monday) | Local 10 News reports a vigil and caravan planned in his memory. |
| December 2025 | Wells' mother and sister publicly ask for tips; police say few have come in. |
| February 2026 | Detectives interview Jenkins, who denies knowing about Wells' earlier conviction, per the warrant. |
| October 14, 2026 (Wednesday) | Jamar Lionel Jenkins is arrested and charged with second-degree murder. |
| October 15, 2026 (Thursday) | NBC 6 reports Jenkins is being held without bond. |
| October 25, 2026 (Sunday) | A celebration of Wells' life is planned at Charles Hadley Park. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged in the death of Dwight Wells?
Jamar Lionel Jenkins, 39, was arrested on October 14, 2026, and charged with second-degree murder. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
When and where was Dwight Wells killed?
Wells was shot and killed on October 10, 2025, outside his restaurant on Northwest 17th Avenue in Liberty City, Miami.
What was Wheels Up, Guns Down?
It was an anti-violence movement Wells founded to reach young people in Miami. His aunt referred to it as "Bikes Up, Guns Down" in an interview with NBC 6.
Is Jenkins being held in jail?
Yes. NBC 6 reported that he was being held without bond as of October 15, 2026.
MotiveX covers cases like this in documentary form on YouTube.
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