Abdul S. Rolle – A woman from North Miami has been taken into custody following a tragic incident that occurred at a smoke shop in northwest Miami-Dade earlier this week. Authorities said the event took place early Tuesday morning and stemmed from a dispute that escalated into violence.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Desma Shaiann Flanders, was arrested Wednesday and charged in connection with the case, according to records from the Miami-Dade County jail. Law enforcement officials reported that the incident happened just before 6 a.m. at a smoke shop located near Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest 45th Street.
According to the arrest report, deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office were alerted to the area after the department’s ShotSpotter system detected multiple rounds being fired. Responding officers arrived quickly at the scene and discovered a man lying on the floor inside the business with serious injuries. The man, later identified as 50-year-old Abdul S. Rolle, was immediately taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. Despite medical efforts, he passed away from his injuries shortly after arrival.
Investigators said the confrontation began when Flanders entered the smoke shop to make a purchase. According to the report, a disagreement developed between her and Rolle, reportedly concerning the quality of an item she had bought. What began as a verbal exchange soon escalated outside the store.
Authorities allege that after leaving the shop, Flanders retrieved a firearm and fired several rounds toward the building. Rolle, who was still inside at the time, was struck during the gunfire. The incident was recorded on a nearby surveillance camera, which reportedly showed Flanders outside the shop at the time of the shooting.
Once detectives identified Flanders as a suspect, she was located and taken into custody. During questioning, officials said she denied any involvement in the incident. However, based on witness accounts, surveillance footage, and other collected evidence, investigators concluded there was sufficient cause to charge her. She was subsequently booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail on a second-degree murder charge.
Law enforcement officials have not released details about whether the firearm involved was recovered or if additional charges may follow. They did, however, confirm that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses to build a full understanding of what led to the incident.
Community members in the area expressed shock over the event, noting that while disagreements occasionally happen, violent situations like this are rare in the neighborhood. Local business owners said they were grateful for the fast response from police and hope the case serves as a reminder of the dangers of letting tempers escalate.
Authorities have urged anyone with more information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Tips can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade, where individuals may qualify for a reward if their information leads to additional developments in the case.
Flanders remains in custody as she awaits her first court appearance. Officials said that more updates will be shared once the investigation is complete and all evidence has been reviewed by prosecutors.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office also reminded residents of the importance of conflict resolution and encouraged anyone struggling with disputes or personal challenges to seek help through community mediation or support programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The investigation continues as detectives work to piece together every detail surrounding the confrontation that ended in the loss of a life and another person facing serious legal consequences.
