The crime was savage, incomprehensible and random. But it is the randomness of the crime that is the most frightening.

When news of Sunday’s brutal kidnapping, rape and murder became public, this community was hit hard.  Here was a young teenage couple from South Miami who wanted to enjoy their fifth month anniversary walking along the beach – when they were kidnapped at gunpoint by six hoodlums.  Eighteen-year-old Nelson Portobanco was stabbed repeatedly and left for dead by the side of a North Broward road.  Eighteen-year-old Ana Maria Angel, according to published reports, was raped and murdered and her body dumped a few miles further north.  The crime was savage, incomprehensible and random.

But it is the randomness of the crime that is the most frightening.

It could have been any couple snatched at gunpoint that Sunday night. This fact was not lost on Miami Beach residents. “It could have been me,” is now a phrase often heard around South Beach.  And if that is the case, many wonder, just how safe is Miami Beach?

According to police statistics, overall serious crimes on the Beach have steadily declined since 1996. Less clear, however, are statistics for Ocean Drive.  Local businesses and residents have asked for more police protection on this busy South Beach thoroughfare.  Although police insist they have this area covered, it would be prudent for both the city and the police department to review security in that area, especially along the beachfront.

In the end, though, it all comes back to randomness.  This act could have happened to any couple and any individual.  It could have happened in any state, in any city, in any neighborhood, on any street.  And that is both tragic and scary. 

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