A fatal shooting in downtown West Palm Beach has left a family shattered and five children without their mother, after police say a long and volatile relationship ended in violence. Vivienne Otero, a mother of five whose life centered on her children, was found shot to death late Sunday night while sitting inside a car at a busy intersection in the city’s downtown area.
Authorities have arrested her former boyfriend, Dimitri Reynolds, and charged him with her murder, bringing a tragic close to what police describe as a nine-year on-again, off-again relationship marked by threats and instability. As investigators piece together the final hours leading up to the killing, Otero’s family is left grappling with grief, responsibility, and the sudden task of rebuilding the lives of the children she worked tirelessly to protect.
The shooting in downtown West Palm Beach and the arrest
According to police, the shooting occurred at the intersection of Clematis Street and Sapodilla Avenue, a well-known and typically active area of downtown West Palm Beach. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Vivienne Otero inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident unfolded late Sunday night, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area and prompting a swift law enforcement response.
Investigators quickly focused their attention on Dimitri Reynolds, Otero’s ex-boyfriend, who was taken into custody and later charged with her murder. Police say Reynolds admitted to shooting Otero but claimed the gun discharged accidentally. That assertion, however, stands in contrast to information contained in the police report, which notes that Reynolds had allegedly called Otero the day before the shooting and threatened to “shoot everyone.” The report does not clarify the exact circumstances that led Otero to be in the car with Reynolds at the time of her death, a question that remains central to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have identified Reynolds as homeless, a detail included in early reporting that underscores the instability surrounding the suspect in the period leading up to the shooting. The relationship between Reynolds and Otero spanned nearly a decade and was described as turbulent, with repeated breakups and reconciliations. Police believe Otero had recently ended the relationship for good, a development that may have escalated tensions between the two.
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As the case moves through the criminal justice system, Reynolds remains in custody facing a murder charge. Detectives continue to review evidence, witness statements, and communications between the two in the days leading up to the killing. Prosecutors are expected to argue that the shooting was intentional, citing the alleged threat made the day before and the broader context of the relationship. Defense arguments have not yet been formally presented in court, but the claim of an accidental discharge is likely to be a focal point in upcoming proceedings.
A sister remembered as a devoted mother and best friend
For Jaime Otero, the news of his sister’s death arrived in the early hours of the morning, when police knocked on his door at around 2 a.m. to deliver the devastating message. Since that moment, he has described the days following her death as a blur, filled with shock, grief, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Vivienne Otero was not just his sister, he said, but his closest confidant and best friend.
“She always had my back,” Jaime Otero said, recalling the bond they shared. Even when disagreements arose, he said, his sister’s loyalty never wavered. Family members describe Vivienne as someone who valued her relationships deeply but placed nothing above her role as a mother. Her five children, ranging in age from 7 to 16, were the center of her world and the primary focus of her daily life.
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Those close to her say she was fiercely protective and deeply committed to raising her children with strong values. Jaime Otero spoke emotionally about her devotion, saying she was unwavering in her determination to ensure her children were raised “the proper way.” Her commitment went beyond words, reflected in the sacrifices she made and the consistency with which she showed up for them.
Friends and relatives have echoed those sentiments, describing Vivienne as hardworking, loving, and resilient. She worked as a mother of five navigating the challenges of daily life while maintaining a close-knit family bond. Despite the difficulties in her personal relationship, those who knew her say she tried to shield her children from instability and conflict as much as possible.
Her death has left a void not only within her immediate family but also among those who knew her through work and community connections. The sudden and violent nature of her killing has intensified the grief, leaving loved ones struggling to reconcile the image of the woman they knew with the circumstances of her final moments.
Children left behind and a family stepping in to rebuild
In the aftermath of Vivienne Otero’s death, her five children have moved in with their uncle, Jaime Otero, who has taken on the responsibility of caring for them. He said that decision was guided by his sister’s wishes and by his own sense of duty to her children. “That’s my sister’s kids,” he said. “That’s what she wanted. I’m going to carry that out.”
The transition has been abrupt and emotionally taxing. Jaime Otero is now balancing grief with the practical realities of providing stability, routine, and emotional support for children who have lost their mother in a traumatic way. He has said his immediate focus is ensuring that their needs are met, from daily care and schooling to helping them process their loss.
Recognizing the financial strain that comes with suddenly supporting a family of six, Jaime has started a GoFundMe account to help cover expenses related to childcare, living costs, and future needs. He has acknowledged that he will need help, both financially and emotionally, to give the children the support they deserve. The fundraiser reflects not only the economic challenges ahead but also the broader community’s role in supporting families affected by violent crime.
As the criminal case against Dimitri Reynolds proceeds, the Otero family is preparing for a long and difficult journey through the legal system. Court hearings and potential trials will unfold alongside the ongoing task of rebuilding daily life for the children. For Jaime Otero, honoring his sister’s memory means doing everything he can to ensure her children grow up safe, supported, and aware of how deeply they were loved.
“She was my angel,” he said, describing the woman he lost. His words capture both the personal loss and the enduring responsibility that now defines his days. While the investigation continues and legal questions remain unresolved, the immediate reality for the Otero family is one of grief, adjustment, and determination to move forward together, carrying Vivienne Otero’s legacy through the children she devoted her life to raising.