‘Their dreams were cut short’: $15,000 reward in deaths of two Hialeah barbers
For the families of Kevin Ramirez and Cristian Rolando Contreras, each day without justice feels like reliving the same nightmare. Nearly four months after the young barbers were murdered on July 29, Hialeah police and the families made a public plea — supported by a $15,000 reward — hoping someone will come forward with information.
Ramirez, 18, and Contreras, 20, were close friends, bonded by their passion for barbering. They spent their days practicing stylish haircuts and taking steps toward building successful careers.
“They dreamed of achieving great things. They lived a beautiful and healthy life,” said Norma Flores, Cristian’s mother. “He wasn’t a bad kid. He was full of laughter, full of love, raised in faith. He had no enemies. Everyone tells us he was a good kid. Polite, respectful, kind.”
Cristian wanted to become a famous barber and one day earn enough to give her “a life of luxury.”
“The day I buried him, I buried my life,” she said through tears. “They were just kids dreaming of growing old.”
Orlando Ramirez and Victoria Jurado, Kevin’s parents, described their son as a cheerful teenager who was just stepping into adulthood.
‘Just beginning his life’
“He was only 18, just beginning his life,” Ramirez said. “He was full of dreams and hopes, with many friends who loved him. There isn’t a single person who would say Kevin was violent or aggressive.”
Kevin knew early on that he wanted to be a barber, and his parents said he worked tirelessly to make that dream real.
“Three and a half months ago, our lives changed,” his father said. “We carry an immense pain that grows each day. We know he isn’t coming back, but we need justice.”
Jurado, Kevin’s mother, said losing her only child destroyed her world. “For me, life ended. I just ask for justice,” she said.
‘They clipped his wings far too soon’
Cristian’s father, Oscar Contreras, said his son grew up in a hardworking, faith-centered family. “He earned everything through sacrifice, work and integrity,” he said. “My son was very joyful, and they clipped his wings far too soon.”
The victims were discovered on July 29 after one of Kevin Ramirez’s clients arrived for a scheduled haircut at 11181 W. 35th Way, the Atlantico apartment complex where Kevin lived. The client noticed the apartment door was open, went inside, and found both young men unresponsive before immediately calling 911.
Detectives have not said whether there were signs of a struggle inside the apartment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Ramirez’s and Contreras families, along with Hialeah police, are urging the community to come forward with any information that could help solve the case. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $15,000 through Crime Stoppers. All tips remain anonymous.
“Even the smallest piece of information — maybe something you saw or heard — could help us in this investigation,” said Lt. Eddie Rodriguez, executive assistant to the Hialeah police chief.
He added: “For far too long, the person or persons responsible have been walking free while these families live with unbearable pain. We need the community’s help.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or 1-866-471-8477.