The Miami News
September 27, 1979, 4A

Police seek motive in shooting

 Miami police are investigating the attempted murder of Antonio Veciana, former leader of the militant anti-Castro organization Alpha 66.

 They are trying to find a motive in the shooting, which occurred last Friday night as Veciana was driving home from his office at 1980 NW 27th Ave.

 "Investigators are looking into possible political circumstances and possible drug relationships," said police spokesman Calvin Ross. "There are no new leads, no suspects."

 Several years ago, Veciana served a federal prison sentence in Atlanta on drug charges, apparently the basis for police checks of "drug relationships."

 The FBI told Veciana it is investigating the shooting because of a possible connection with agents of a foreign government, Veciana says. Veciana and his friends say they believe the shooting was by agents of the Cuban government.

 Veciana, a non-active member of Alpha 66, was turning the corner at NW 17th Street and NW 29th Avenue when a brown 1971 Buick station wagon pulled alongside him. Four shots were fired from the car.

 One small-caliber bullet lodged just above Veciana's left ear. He was hospitalized for two days.