A year after tragic death, community still demands action against illegal internet cafés
Dec 23, 2024
One year after Lewis Butler's tragic death outside an illegal internet caf, the businesses continue to operate, despite calls for closure from Butlers widow and local pastor Tracy Stallworth. Neighbors are demanding action questioning why the illegal establishments have not shut down. Watch the video to hear from Kimberly Butler.BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:Its been a year since the fatal shooting of Lewis Butler outside an illegal internet caf in Havana, and yet these controversial businesses continue to operate unimpeded. Despite the ongoing community outrage and growing calls for justice, the internet cafs remain open, and neighbors are demanding action from local and state authorities.For Butlers widow, the pain of losing her husband is only deepened by the sight of the businesses that played a role in his death still thriving in the neighborhood. Her calls for justice have gone unanswered, leaving her feeling frustrated and heartbroken.Its been pretty rough, everybodys like youll get better, youll get better. The only way I will get better is when I get that closure, said Ms. Butler.RELATED STORIES: "They're killing the community": Wife of man killed at illegal internet cafe wants all of them to be shut down Havana neighbors want illegal internet cafes shut down One dead, two in custody after attempted robbery at illegal Internet cafe outside HavanaLocal Pastor Tracy Stallworth has been one of the most vocal advocates for shutting down the illegal businesses. For months, he has led efforts to bring attention to the issue and demand action from both local and state officials. However, despite his tireless work, there has been little response.Theyre siphoning money out of the community, Stallworth said, referring to the internet cafs.The ongoing inaction has left many in the neighborhood questioning why the cafs have not been closed. What will it take for authorities to step in and end these operations once and for all?Ms. Butler, still mourning her husbands death, says she doesnt want any other family to experience the pain she feels.Its just not safe, I dont want a family to feel how I feel, she said.Pastor Stallworth echoed her concerns, adding that justice is overdue. Someones life was taken and someone has to be held accountable. We just need to be able to find the right agency so they can do what is right.As the year-long fight for justice continues, the question of accountability looms large over the community. For now, neighbors like Ms. Butler and Pastor Stallworth remain determined to press on in their fight to close the illegal internet cafs and bring those responsible to justice.Please close these cafs down, Ms. Butler urged.The Florida Gaming Control Commission is responsible for regulating gambling operations in the state. The commission oversees investigations into illegal gambling activities.To file a report of any illegal gambling report it here.