Eddrick Bethune: Man Charged in North Miami Abduction Killing

Eddrick Bethune, a 22-year-old man, was taken from outside his apartment complex in North Miami, Florida, in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, by men wearing shirts marked "Police," according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Hours later he was found shot and killed beside a road in southwest Miami-Dade County. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, deputies arrested a 21-year-old man, Devorise Carl Johnson, and charged him with first-degree murder, kidnapping and several other crimes.

Investigators say Johnson was one of five people involved. So far, none of the others has been publicly named or reported arrested. The case has unsettled residents of the complex, who heard gunfire around midnight and later learned that the men who seemed to be police were not.

Who Was Eddrick Bethune?

Eddrick Bethune was 22 years old and lived at the Aliro Apartments, a complex on Biscayne Boulevard just west of Florida International University's Biscayne Bay campus. Reports so far have shared few details about his life, and his family has not spoken publicly in the coverage MotiveX reviewed. What is clear from the sheriff's office account is that he was targeted as he left his home late on a Saturday night, and that he never made it back.

What Happened in North Miami?

According to an arrest report described by NBC 6 South Florida and WSVN 7News, Johnson and four other people waited at the complex on the night of Oct. 3 for Bethune to come outside. When he did, a Toyota Camry pulled up with flashing red and blue lights. Two of the men, dressed in clothing that read "Police," ordered him to the ground, handcuffed him and took his apartment keys and his phone.

Investigators say Johnson and two others then used those keys to go into Bethune's apartment. A second person was inside and was armed. Gunfire was exchanged, and Johnson was hit several times. With no other way out, the three men jumped from a third-floor window. A neighbor's cellphone video caught the jump, and other video showed two men in "police" shirts forcing a man into the back seat of a car.

Residents told WSVN they heard a long burst of shots. One resident, Diana Sovalvarro, told the station, "I just heard the gunshots, and then like a glass shatter." A neighbor who spoke to CBS Miami said he planned to raise the issue with the property's management "because this is not safe."

Bethune was forced into the Camry and driven to an area near Southwest 216th Street and Southwest 189th Avenue, where investigators say he was shot and killed. At about 7:25 a.m. on Oct. 4, a Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office captain found him on the shoulder of the road. He was pronounced dead there. Detectives later located the Camry near Southwest 248th Street and 157th Avenue. It had been set on fire.

Has Anyone Been Arrested?

Yes. After the shootout, Johnson was dropped off at a hospital for treatment of his gunshot wounds, according to NBC 6. Once he was released on Wednesday, Oct. 14, he was taken into custody, questioned by sheriff's homicide detectives and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. WSVN reported that he asked for a lawyer during questioning.

Jail records cited by NBC 6 list charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, attempted murder, aggravated battery, shooting a deadly missile, armed burglary, armed robbery and falsely impersonating an officer. CBS Miami reported that he was denied bond on many of the charges and was expected in court on Friday, Oct. 16. Johnson has not entered a plea in any report reviewed, and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.

What Police Have Said

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. Officials have released their account mainly through the arrest report and have not said whether the four other people have been identified. They have also not given a public motive, and MotiveX is not repeating online claims about why Bethune was targeted.

Anyone with information can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Tips can be anonymous, and WSVN reported a reward of up to $5,000 may be available.

What Happens Next

Johnson's case will move through the Miami-Dade criminal courts, where prosecutors will decide on formal charges. Because investigators say five people took part, more arrests are possible, and a CBS Miami video report said more arrests were expected. MotiveX will follow the case and post updates when new charges or court dates are announced.

Timeline of the Eddrick Bethune Case

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is charged in Eddrick Bethune's death?

Devorise Carl Johnson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and other crimes. He has not been convicted and is presumed innocent.

Were the men who took him real police officers?

No. Investigators say the men wore clothing marked "Police" and used a car with flashing lights, and Johnson is charged with falsely impersonating an officer.

Where was Eddrick Bethune found?

He was found on a roadside near Southwest 216th Street and Southwest 189th Avenue in southwest Miami-Dade County on the morning of Oct. 4.

Are more suspects being sought?

Yes. Investigators say four other people were involved. None had been publicly named or reported arrested as of Oct. 16.

MotiveX covers cases like this in documentary form on YouTube.

Sources

• NBC 6 South Florida: Suspect arrested in North Miami shootout and abduction
• WSVN 7News: Man arrested in North Miami kidnapping and murder
• CBS Miami: Man arrested in deadly North Miami abduction
• WSVN 7News: Initial report on the North Miami shooting and abduction
• CBS Miami: Man abducted after North Miami apartment shooting found dead
• Local 10 News: Suspect accused of posing as police officer in Miami-Dade case