Family speaks out after fatal shooting
Two weeks after a routine delivery ended tragically for a family, one of the victims shares his story. Last month, a mother and her son were shot while making a delivery at a Hernando County restaurant.
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Nicolas Bello said his physical injuries from the July 30 gunshot wound paled in comparison to the pain of losing his mother.
He spoke to FOX 13 through a translator on Thursday.
“He doesn’t really feel anything compared to everything else that’s happened,” the translator said.
Bello and his mother, 53-year-old Claudia Barbosa, were making a delivery to the El Sol De Mexico restaurant and store in Brooksville around 10 a.m. before the store opened, something Barbosa had been doing for four years. Then, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Donald Jamison shot them.
Barbosa died. Bello said he was shot in the chest and the bullet exited through his back. He was also shot in the arm as he tried to defend his mother, he said.
Shortly before the shooting, Bello said his mother twice gave Jamison the food he had asked for. He was standing outside the store, he said.
“When she gave him the last meal, his mother told him to remember what the Bible says… and never tire of doing good,” the translator said.
Bello and his brother and sister said Barbosa’s world revolves around her and her husband. She came to the United States from Colombia five years ago to have better opportunities for her family, they said.
“It’s not just that she’s my mother,” said Fernando Bello, Barbosa’s other son. “It’s more that she was a bright spot and that she was a great person.”
“She was a shining light,” Nicolas Bello said of the interpreter. “She had a very strong character,” he said.
Nicolas Bello said his mother taught him several life lessons.
“She taught me to be very hardworking, which I appreciate very much, and also to do things right, to do them correctly,” said Nicolas Bello.
Nicolas Bello said he came to the United States just seven months ago to be with his mother.
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He said he feels blessed that none of his organs were hit in the shooting. Nicolas Bello said he feels like his life has meaning and he can pass on his mother’s life.
“Do everything right. Leave it to God and walk with God. Never forget to do things right and never show disrespect to others,” he said.
Nicolas Bello said he plans to return to Colombia as soon as he is well enough. He said life in the United States is too difficult because of the memories.
Photo courtesy: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
FHP officers arrested Jamison about 30 minutes south of the store. There is currently no evidence he knew Barbosa or Bello. He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of robbery and attempted eluding police. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said the case is ongoing.
Barbosa’s funeral is on Friday.
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