Person of Interest Named in 2020 Murder

Broward detectives say they have identified a person of interest in the July 3, 2020 killing of Bree Black in Pompano Beach. (sheriff.org) Black, 27, was found with gunshot wounds around 10:18 p.m. near 244 Northwest 12th Street, and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue pronounced her dead about 10 minutes later, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Detectives said the person of interest knew Black and fought with her a day or two before the shooting. (nbcmiami.com) The person of interest has not been publicly identified or charged in Black’s homicide. Investigators said the person is in custody for an unrelated violent offense and has a history of violence. (cbsnews.com) Detective Andrew Gianino said at a Tuesday news conference that Black saw the shooter, ran around the building screaming for help, and was shot in front of an apartment door. The sheriff’s office recently put up a banner near the scene to press for new tips. (yahoo.com; sheriff.org) The case is moving again after more than five years without an arrest. Broward’s Cold Case Homicide Unit is now asking anyone with information to help detectives turn the person-of-interest designation into an arrest. (local10.com) A person of interest is someone investigators believe may have information or a possible connection to a crime, but the label does not mean that person has been charged. In this case, the sheriff’s office is withholding the name while the investigation remains active. (miamiherald.com; hoodline.com) Black was known as “Nuk,” and her killing drew attention from local advocates and national groups tracking violence against transgender people. The Human Rights Campaign listed her among the transgender and gender-nonconforming people killed in the United States in 2020. (hrc.org) The sheriff’s office said a $10,000 reward remains available for information that leads to an arrest. Detectives are asking tipsters to contact Gianino or Broward Crime Stoppers as the case stays open. (nbcmiami.com; sheriff.org)