Three Arrested in Rappers Fatal Shooting
Three years after South Florida rapper Wavy Navy Pooh was gunned down in front of his children, authorities in Miami-Dade County have announced the arrests of three men connected to his death. Officials confirmed the arrests this week following a lengthy homicide investigation that began after the rapper, whose real name was Shandler Beaubien, was killed in January 2022.
Arrests Announced in Long-Running Case
According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, three suspects have been taken into custody and are facing first-degree murder and weapons charges. Police said the men were identified through a combination of forensic evidence, witness interviews, and coordination between local and federal agencies. The suspects’ names have not yet been released publicly pending formal court proceedings. Beaubien was shot and killed on January 14, 2022, near Southwest 152nd Street and 127th Avenue in the Country Walk neighborhood. He was driving a Toyota Camry with two of his children, ages 1 and 5, and another adult passenger when another vehicle pulled alongside and opened fire. Beaubien was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the passengers, including the children, were injured, police confirmed.
Police Describe Targeted Shooting
In 2022, then–Miami-Dade Police spokesperson Detective Alvaro Zabaleta described the shooting as a targeted attack, saying investigators did not believe it was random. “This was not a road rage incident,” Zabaleta told reporters at the time. “It was a deliberate act.” The department said this week’s arrests were the result of persistent work by homicide detectives and specialized gang units. “Our investigators never gave up on this case,” the agency said in a written statement. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for Mr. Beaubien’s death are brought to justice.”
Rapper Known for Representing Miami
Wavy Navy Pooh was signed to Quality Control Music, the Atlanta-based label known for artists such as Migos and Lil Baby. He gained national attention for his 2021 single “M.I.A.M.I. (Murder Is a Major Issue)”, a track that reflected the violence and culture of his hometown. At the time of his death, Quality Control Music posted a tribute to Beaubien on social media, writing, “Wavy Navy Pooh was a rising star who brought authentic Miami energy to the label. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Family and Community Reaction
Beaubien’s killing drew outrage and grief throughout Miami’s hip-hop community. Local artists and fans held memorials in his honor, and community leaders renewed calls to address gun violence in South Florida neighborhoods. Members of Beaubien’s family have expressed relief over the new arrests, telling local media they hope this marks a step toward closure after years of waiting. “We’ve waited so long for answers,” one family member told Local 10 News.
Investigation Continues
Miami-Dade Police said the case remains open as investigators work to determine whether additional individuals were involved. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive but confirmed the shooting was likely connected to ongoing neighborhood disputes.
