Authorities say Devorise Carl Johnson was among five men involved in the abduction of 22-year-old Eddrick Bethune.
NORTH MIAMI, FL — A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Eddrick Bethune, who authorities say was abducted from a North Miami apartment complex before being found shot to death in southwest Miami-Dade County.
Devorise Carl Johnson was taken into custody after being released Wednesday from a hospital, where investigators said he had been treated for gunshot wounds suffered during the Oct. 4 incident. Johnson faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, armed burglary and falsely impersonating a police officer, according to arrest information cited by local news organizations. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that one person involved in the case had been arrested.
Investigators said the case began shortly after midnight Oct. 4 at the Aliro Apartments, 14040 Biscayne Blvd. Authorities allege Johnson and four other men had gone to the complex and waited for Bethune, 22, to leave the building. When Bethune came outside, investigators said the group approached him in a Toyota Camry equipped with flashing red and blue lights. Two men were described as wearing dark clothing marked with the word “POLICE.”
According to the arrest report, Bethune was ordered to the ground, handcuffed and placed into the vehicle. Investigators said his apartment keys and cellphone were taken. Johnson and two other men then allegedly used the keys to enter Bethune’s apartment, where another person was inside. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed members of the group moving through the apartment, according to the arrest report.
A gunfight then broke out inside the apartment, authorities said. Investigators said the person inside the residence armed himself and exchanged gunfire with Johnson, who was struck multiple times. Johnson and two other men allegedly continued firing before escaping through a third-floor bedroom window. Video recorded by a neighbor showed people jumping from the building as the incident unfolded. Johnson was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
Bethune remained in the Camry with other members of the group as they left North Miami, investigators said. At about 7:25 a.m., a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office captain found an unresponsive man on the shoulder of the road near Southwest 216th Street and Southwest 189th Avenue. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded and pronounced the man dead. Authorities later identified him as Bethune and said he had suffered gunshot wounds.
Investigators also responded to a vehicle fire near Southwest 248th Street and Southwest 157th Avenue. The sheriff’s office said arson investigators determined the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire. Detectives linked it to the vehicle used by the people involved in the North Miami abduction, according to authorities.
Johnson was released from medical care Wednesday and taken to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau. WSVN reported that he invoked his right to an attorney during questioning before he was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. CBS Miami reported that Johnson was denied bond on many of the charges and was expected to appear before a judge Friday.
The identities and status of the other men investigators say were involved have not been publicly detailed. NBC 6 reported that officials had not said whether the other suspects had been identified or arrested, while CBS Miami reported Friday that law enforcement expected additional arrests. The sheriff’s office said the homicide investigation remains active. Authorities have not publicly announced a motive for Bethune’s kidnapping and killing.
Author note: Last updated October 16, 2026.