Suspect arrested in fatal miami bar shooting

April 07, 2015

A suspect accused of shooting and killing a man outside of a Miami bar last summer was behind bars Tuesday. J. Chigin, 54, was arrested on Monday; the ex-con is facing charges for first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and armed robbery. He is also accused of tampering with evidence in connection to the Aug. 15 shooting, according to the arrest report.

On Aug. 15, the victim was a patron at Marlins Bar located on Southwest 17th Avenue in Little Havana. The victim decided to go outside and retrieve something from his vehicle, which is when he was confronted by an armed man. The two men struggled, and the robber shot the victim several times.

After sustaining several gunshot wounds, the wounded man was able to stagger back to the bar and ask for help. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.

According to the police report, an anonymous source pointed the finger at Chigin as the shooter.

When detectives met with Chigin’s girlfriend, she told them that on the day of the shooting, her boyfriend arrived back to the home, sweating and acting nervous. She said that he had a handgun in his waistband, according to the report.

The girlfriend told police that Chigin told her that he had just done something to a Honduran guy at Marlins Bar. She said that Chigin later sold the gun for crack cocaine near his home.

Though Chigin was arrested, he has since denied any involvement in the robbery and shooting, according to the report. Chigin’s rap sheet includes prior arrests for carrying a concealed firearm and armed robberies.

Chigin is being held without bond, and it is unknown if he has secured a lawyer.
Armed Robbery & First Degree Murder in FloridaIn Florida, armed robbery is covered under Sec. 812.13(2)(a). Under this section, if a person commits an armed robbery, the person commits a felony of the first degree, punishable by a term not to exceed life imprisonment, or a fine not to exceed $10,000, or both.

Under Sec. 782.04 of the Florida Statutes, first degree murder in Florida is a capital felony, punishable by death or life imprisonment.

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