Tragedy in Tamiami: Couple’s Argument Turns Deadly in Shocking Murder-Suicide

In a tragic case that has left a community reeling, authorities have officially identified the couple involved in what investigators are calling an apparent murder-suicide in a quiet Miami-Dade neighborhood.

Ana Beatriz Santo Rodriguez, 29, was fatally shot outside her home in Tamiami by her boyfriend, Liev Canals, 48, just before he turned the gun on himself after fleeing the scene. The incident has not only devastated both families but also served as a stark reminder of how quickly domestic violence can erupt into irreversible tragedy.

The Morning That Changed Everything

The shooting occurred Friday morning near Northwest 127th Path and 10th Lane, a normally peaceful stretch of homes tucked away in a residential enclave of Tamiami. Neighbors say they heard a commotion followed by two gunshots.

When Miami-Dade Police arrived, they found Ana lying in her driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

“She was kind. She always said good morning. She wanted to be a nurse,” said one neighbor, visibly shaken. “This isn’t something you expect to happen next door.”

Minutes later, Canals crashed a black SUV in Sweetwater, near Southwest 107th Avenue and 3rd Street. When police responded to the crash, they discovered that Canals had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he later died.

Surveillance Paints a Harrowing Picture

Surveillance footage from the neighborhood captured the final moments of Ana’s life. The couple appeared to argue inside the SUV. The man then exited, retrieved a firearm, and opened fire.

He dragged Ana’s lifeless body onto the pavement before driving away—footage that now haunts the neighbors who reviewed it with police.

“She didn’t even have a chance,” said one witness. “It all happened so fast. You don’t ever forget something like that.”

Who They Were

Ana Beatriz Santo Rodriguez was known among friends and neighbors as compassionate, driven, and full of life. She was reportedly pursuing a career in nursing and had recently started working at a local clinic.

Canals, her boyfriend, was nearly 20 years older. While not much is publicly known about his background yet, authorities say the couple had no documented history of domestic disputes, making the violent escalation all the more shocking.

A Wake-Up Call on Domestic Violence

While the motive remains under investigation, experts say this tragedy highlights the often hidden signs of emotional abuse, manipulation, and control in relationships.

“Just because someone isn’t bruised doesn’t mean they’re safe,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, a domestic violence counselor in South Florida. “Control, threats, isolation — they escalate. This case is sadly emblematic of what we call ‘silent red flags.’”

Miami-Dade officials urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out. Help is available 24/7 at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Community Response & Healing

Community members are organizing a vigil for Ana at a nearby park this weekend. Her family has asked for privacy but shared a heartfelt statement:

“Ana was our light. She cared for everyone and had the biggest heart. We are shattered by this loss.”

Mental health professionals have also been made available to neighbors, many of whom witnessed parts of the tragedy or its aftermath.

What We Can Learn

This isn’t just a news story. It’s a call to action.

• Listen for the quiet signs: Jealousy, possessiveness, and emotional manipulation can precede physical violence.

• Check in on loved ones: Especially those in relationships that seem isolating or strained.

• Support survivors: Their path to safety and recovery is often long and fraught with fear.

Ana’s life had promise, passion, and purpose — stolen in a moment of irreversible violence. As Miami-Dade mourns, the community is left not only with grief, but also a renewed determination to recognize the warning signs, speak out, and intervene before it’s too late.