Nearly six years after Bree “Nuk” Black was murdered at a street party near her home, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives believe they’re on the brink of bringing someone to justice. Bree, a trans Black woman, was only 27 years old when she was running and screaming for her life, only to be gunned down moments later.
Even though this happened in front of hundreds of people, no one came forward to help catch the killer and the case has gone unsolved… until now. BSO investigators say they’ve identified a “person of interest” in the case.
On Monday, BSO Cold Case Homicide Unit Det. Andrew Gianino spoke with media members at the scene of the crime, in the 200 block of NW 12th Street in Pompano Beach, and updated details. He says there is a very good chance witnesses haven’t come forward because they feared retaliation. He says that fear should no longer be an issue.
“The person of interest is incarcerated on a non-related violent act. The person has a long history of violence right here in Pompano Beach,” he said. “The person of interest is incarcerated and, I think he will no longer be a threat to anyone for a very long time.”
The murder happened during a street party on July 3, 2020. It was a hot holiday weekend in the middle of the pandemic quarantine. BSO has video from the party but won’t say what it shows.
“We believe there is a number of people who witnessed the physical altercation and that there are people who witnessed the homicide or have relevant information on the whereabouts of the murder weapon.”
Gianino says Bree knew her attacker, and they had been in a physical fight days prior and that is what motivated the killing. They do not believe the pair were intimately involved and they don’t believe the fact she was trans is behind the violence. Despite that, it is still worth noting that Black trans women face a disproportionately high rate of violence, and their average lifespan is just 35 years old.
“She was an amazing person. She was very lovable,” her niece, who asked for anonymity, said. “A very active person. She loved dancing.”
Six years of no progress in the investigation has been tough.
“It kind of made us angry. People saw it and aren’t coming forward and saying anything. We don’t know what happened.”
To protect the integrity of the investigation, BSO isn’t releasing the name, how they learned of his connection, or any of the social media video from the party. Gianino did say that the person was arrested for another violent crime in Broward and is incarcerated in Florida.
Gianino is very optimistic.
“I honestly believe we are going to find that one person who knew Bree and this press conference is going to have those people come forward.”
A $10,000 reward is offered for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone can share information and remain anonymous by contacting Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
