Macko was “ambushed” according to police who believe the suspects waited for him to return home. Police said the suspects ransacked the home, but did not reveal what was taken. They left the scene in a black Dodge van.
A witness called police after they heard three gunshots. When police arrived at the property, they found Macko with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS Miami reported. On Wednesday, the suspects were still at large.
A GoFundMe page has been set up following Macko’s death. It states he was a “son, brother, husband, father and friend.”
Macko is survived by his wife Melissa, and sons Andre, 11, Mateo, 3, and daughter Maya, whose age was not disclosed.
Over $3,300 has been raised since Macko was gunned down to help his family pay for funeral expenses and to provide longer term financial support.
A man who identified himself as Macko’s cousin was among family members who gathered at his home after the robbery, according to CBS Miami. The unnamed man said Macko had three children, one of whom was in hospital. Macko was returning from the hospital when he was killed.
The incident is believed to have been linked to a separate robbery. Miami-Dade police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta told Local10.com the Dodge van matched the description of a vehicle taken from a home around 10 miles away.
One neighbour told CBS Miami: “Three gunshots, that’s what I heard, I was in the bedroom.”
Ana Lorenzo, who also lives nearby, told the broadcaster: “I heard boom, boom, boom, like that but I never think it was a gunshot, I think it was something else.
“It is scary. My daughter walk over here at night time, running, and she said she saw a van and everything.”
Another person said: “They was waiting for someone to come, shoot them and go inside.”
On Wednesday evening, Macko’s family released a statement seen by Local10.com.
“We are reeling from the loss of our beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Daniel, known to all who love him as Elijah, leaves behind a wife and three young children who are absolutely devastated by this,” the statement read.
“We ask anyone who saw something or has any information about the murderers who took his life—please come forward. His children—his entire family—deserve the solace of knowing those who committed this evil act will face justice.”
Police urge those with information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477. Information can also be provided by clicking “Give a Tip” at www.crimestoppersmiami.com.
