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April 17, 2017
***** UPDATE – ARREST MADE *****
On May 16, 2017 the New Orleans Police Department arrested Johnie Miller, 60, on an out of state warrant for second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery in the 43-year-old cold case of Fuad “Freddie” Farah. The warrant was issued out of Jacksonville, Florida after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit was able to match Miller’s fingerprints to items left at the scene. Detectives were also able to retrieve valuable information from a witness who was only 14 at the time of the botched robbery. Freddie Farah’s case was featured on our site in a Cold Case Spotlight back in April at the request of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in hopes of generating more information on the case.
You can read our original spotlight below.
On May 22, 1974 the lives of the Farah family changed forever. A wife lost her husband and four children would lose their father. Countless friends and family would suffer from the trauma of a violent and sudden loss. The far reaching impact should not be minimized just because it was four decades ago. This family suffered every single day, in some capacity, since the moment the trigger was pulled. Mrs. Farah, a pillar of strength, went back to college to be able to better provide for her family. The four young Farah children, three daughters and a son, were forced to live life without that man that had provided for and loved them. Some of the Farah children were so young at the time of the murder that they have few, if any, memories of their father. Freddie Farah wasn’t able to attend so many events in the lives of those he loved… sporting events, holidays, birthdays, dances, graduations, weddings and grandchildren, all stolen memories because of the selfish actions of one man. After 43 years there was little hope that they would ever get answers or be able to hold the individual that caused so much pain accountable. Almost exactly 43 years later, a New Orleans street performer was handcuffed and charged in the crime that impacted so many.
“Your sorrow can’t be mended, but I hope this news can bring you some peace.” Sheriff Mike Williams to the Farah family during the press conference
We are happy to have been able to support the Farah family and will continue to do so through the court process. We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and their Cold Case Team. 43 years is a long time and we are so thankful that they took the time to review and reprocess this case. They remind us why “against all odds, against all logic, we still hope.”
***** Original Spotlight from April 17, 2017 *****
Freddie Farah, 34, owned an operated the Grand Park Food Store located at 2361 Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida. On May 22, 1974 an unknown suspect entered the convenient store and demanded money from Freddie. As Freddie moved away from the cash register, across the counter, the assailant moved in front of it. The suspect then opened fire and shot Freddie Farah. A witness, in the store at the time, described hearing the suspect say “give it to me” or “this is a hold up” before the shooting. The witness described seeing a black male running out the door immediately following the gunshot(s). Freddie never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Freddie’s family and friends have waited almost 43 years for justice. The need for answers never goes away and the desire for accountability remains. If you have any information on the unsolved murder of Freddie Farah, please contact investigators and give his family the resolution they deserve.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit recently submitted Freddie’s case to Project Cold Case, Inc. so that we could spotlight and publicize his unsolved murder. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward up to $3,000 you can submit a web tip or call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-TIPS.
Please use the buttons below to share this case in hopes that someone, somewhere will come forward and give this victim and family the answers they need and justice they deserve.
If you have a loved one that is the victim of an unsolved homicide please submit their case here for consideration in a future Cold Case Spotlight post.
