In a tragic turn of events, a North Miami Beach smoke shop owner was fatally shot during a robbery more than a year ago. Now, after an intense investigation, authorities have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for the murder.
On June 11, 2024, 35-year-old Salem Albakri was shot in the back as he tried to flee from a group of robbers inside his store, Miami Cloudz, located at 2063 NE 163rd St. Albakri, who had recently opened the shop to support his family, tragically lost his life in what should have been a routine day at work.
The Suspect: Tarvan Bowens Jr.
The man arrested in connection with the murder is 18-year-old Tarvan Bowens Jr., who was 17 at the time of the crime. According to investigators, Bowens, along with three other men, entered Miami Cloudz and asked Albakri to show them several pieces of merchandise. What seemed like an innocent request quickly turned into a deadly confrontation.
Surveillance footage from the store showed Bowens pulling out a gun and shooting Albakri in the back as he attempted to run away from the danger. The senseless violence shocked the local community and left Albakri’s family devastated.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, the investigation into Albakri’s murder eventually led to the identification of Bowens through facial recognition software and tips from the community — one of which came from a family member of the suspect.
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Bowens wasn’t acting alone, though. Police also identified 23-year-old William Robinson as one of the accomplices involved in the robbery. Surveillance footage and fingerprints left at the scene helped authorities link Robinson to the crime. Robinson was arrested in August 2024 and charged with armed robbery.
Ties to Previous Criminal Activity
Interestingly, both Bowens and Robinson had been involved in a separate crime prior to their arrests. In December 2023, the two men were arrested on burglary charges in Plantation, adding another layer of complexity to their criminal histories.
Legal Consequences for Bowens and Robinson
As of Friday, Bowens is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and armed robbery. Robinson, now 24, is also in custody, facing armed robbery charges. Both men will have their day in court, but their actions on that fateful day have left an indelible mark on the community.
Unanswered Questions
While Bowens and Robinson have been apprehended, investigators have not yet disclosed the identities of the other two suspects involved in the robbery. North Miami Beach police continue to seek justice for Albakri and his grieving family. Their work is far from over as they piece together the full story of that devastating day.
As the case unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served, and that those responsible for the senseless violence will face the consequences of their actions.