Former St. Thomas University basketball player among two men killed in Miami shooting

A former St. Thomas University basketball player was among two men killed in a shooting over the weekend in Miami, authorities say.

Detectives identified one of the victims as Antoine Eugene Joe Jr., 26, who university officials say was a guard for the St. Thomas University Bobcats.

Joe graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s in criminal justice. In his four seasons at St. Thomas in Miami Gardens, Joe started 38 of 103 games and averaged 7 points per game. In his best individual season, 2018-19, he started 24 of 26 games and hit career highs in points, steals and rebounds, according to stubobcats.com.

“We are sadden(ed) to hear the news of the passing of former Men’s Basketball Player, Antoine Joe,” the university said in a Facebook post. “May he rest in peace.”

The other man killed in the shooting was Tyler Bradley Royal, 24, police say. In a Facebook post, Royal’s aunt, Anquette Clarke, announced a balloon release event in his honor.

“Prayer’s up for my family,” Clarke said. “We lost my nephew Tyler to a senseless act.”

At around 4 p.m. Saturday, officers rushed to Northwest 12th Avenue and 42nd Street after two men were shot inside of a vehicle, Officer Kiara Delva, a Miami police spokeswoman, told the Miami Herald in an email.

Paramedics took the injured men to Jackson Memorial Hospital where they were declared dead.

A reward of up to $9,500 is being offered for anonymous tips leading to the arrest of the shooter or shooters.

Investigators haven’t said if more than one shooter was involved.

“The circumstances surrounding what led up to the shooting remains under investigation, as well as whether or not both victims were intended targets or if this was a random act of violence,” Delva said.

University officials mourn Joe’s death

St. Thomas University President, David A. Armstrong, said on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that Joe was a “great young man from a wonderful family.”

“All of us must stand up to protect our greatest resource,” Armstrong said. “Good young people like Antoine!”

D.P. Harris, the university’s former head men’s basketball coach, said he was sad to hear about Joe’s death.

“This kid had a smile that gave the world light,” Harris said. “His soul is in heaven for sure. I spoke to a few guys tonight; he was a shepherd, a wonderful person.”

Patrick E. Crarey II, the university’s current head men’s basketball coach, said he is praying for Joe’s family.

“We will honor Antoine this season,” Crarey said. “May he rest in peace.”

Candace Walker, the university’s head women’s basketball coach, said Antoine was special.

“A smile and personality that brightened up any room,” Walker said. “A basketball journey that could inspire many.”

Joe will be remembered through a moment of silence Saturday at noon during Bobcat Football’s home opener at the university’s AutoNation Field, 16401 NW 37th Ave., in Miami Gardens.

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers - Miami-Dade and The Florida Keys by calling 305-471-8477 or visiting crimestoppers305.com.

Miami Herald staff writer David Neal contributed to this report.