safety
2 suspects arrested in connection to May double shooting at Miami-Dade IHOP restaurant, deputies say
By Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
A man and a woman were arrested in connection to a May 31 double shooting at an IHOP restaurant in Cutler Bay, according to the Miami -Dade Sheriff's Office. Deputies have announced that Kelton Abston, 27, and Mari Zelaya, 42, were taken into custody on Wednesday. According to arrest reports, Zelaya
Key takeaway Deputies have announced that Kelton Abston, 27, and Mari Zelaya, 42, were taken into custody on Wednesday.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrests of Kelton Abston and Mari Zelaya in connection to the double shooting at the Cutler Bay IHOP restaurant bring some measure of relief to the community, but also raise concerns about the prevalence of gun violence in Miami-Dade County. The fact that a verbal argument escalated into a shooting in a public place like a restaurant is particularly troubling. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office's use of surveillance footage and witness statements to identify and locate the suspects demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in solving crimes. As the case moves forward, it will be worth watching how the county's law enforcement and judicial systems respond to the alleged attempted felony murder and accessory charges. The incident also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of gun violence in Miami-Dade County, including in neighborhoods like Cutler Bay, which is not typically associated with high levels of violent crime.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man and a woman were arrested in connection to a May 31 double shooting at an IHOP restaurant in Cutler Bay, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Deputies have announced that Kelton Abston, 27, and Mari Zelaya, 42, were taken into custody on Wednesday. According to arrest reports, Zelaya
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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