Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-17) today released the following statement following reports that Miami-Dade authorities have made an arrest in the 2000 rape and murder of 13-year-old Cynteria Phillips in Little Haiti:
“After years and years, justice is finally being served. Cynteria was an innocent little girl who was viciously and repeatedly abused by predators and disregarded by the foster care system. No one was interested in her welfare until it was too late.
“It is such an incredible feeling to know that one more monster is now off the streets. Today’s arrest brings some closure to our community because we all know this could have happened to anyone’s little girl.”
“I applaud Miami-Dade authorities for their persistence on this case and pray for the well-being of all children who have fallen victim to sexual abuse.”
In August 2000, 13-year-old Cynteria, a runaway child who had spent her life living in foster homes, was found murdered near Edison High in Little Haiti. DNA evidence showed she had been raped and beaten repeatedly. At the time, then-State Senator Wilson spearheaded the community’s response to the brutal murder, organizing press conferences and going door-to-door to find information leading to the killer.
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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. She is a former state legislator and school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.