A 64-year-old woman confessed to the murder of a homeless romantic rival near a public library in Miami-Dade County. Joyce Ann Small retrieved a black and silver gun from her purse. In a turn of events, she fired multiple shots at the victim, who begged for her life, until the victim fell. Small then stood over her and delivered a fatal shot to the head, according to reports from Local 10.
Victim was allegedly called ‘Sarai’
Following her arrest, Small declined to speak with the police initially. However, later, according to the arrest report from the Miami Gardens Police Department, she did identify the victim as “Sarai.” She revealed that she had provided assistance to Sarai, a homeless woman, allowing her to shower and sleep in her home on occasion, as per Local 10’s report.
‘Sarai’ was allegedly involved with Small’s boyfriend
Authorities claim that Small suspected “Sarai” of being romantically involved with her boyfriend. Small claimed that she spied on her boyfriend, who was married to another person and had mistreated and abused her. She believed that her boyfriend was having an affair with Sarai, but despite her efforts, she couldn’t find concrete evidence of the affair, as detailed in the report.
Small further stated that “Sarai” had intentionally provoked and agitated her before she fatally shot her outside the North Dade Regional Library in Miami Gardens at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the police report.
Small charged with first-degree murder
Security camera footage reportedly captured Small emerging from the bushes to ambush the victim as she walked toward the library parking lot. The victim was declared dead at the scene, as per Local 10. A Smith and Wesson .40 caliber firearm was found near a walking trail northeast of the library, while Small was found walking northbound on Northwest 24 Avenue, according to the arrest report.
Small faces a first-degree murder charge and is presently held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, as shown in jail records. While her next court date is not specified, she is currently being represented by a public defender, Attorney Aileen Penate Hernandez, as per Local 10.