Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Kissimmee Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, August 18, 2017

Add to My Heroes

Matthew Scott Baxter

Police Officer Matthew Baxter and Sergeant Sam Howard were shot and killed while responding to reports of three suspicious people in the area of Palmway Street and Cypress Street at approximately 9:30 pm.

They were speaking to the men when a scuffle ensued, and both officers were shot. Both were transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where Officer Baxter was pronounced dead. Sergeant Howard passed away the following afternoon.

The subject who shot him was arrested approximately two hours after the shooting by members of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Two handguns were found in his possession when he was arrested. In September 2019 the man was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, and in November 2019, the jury recommended he receive the death penalty. In 2022, a judge sentenced the subject to the death penalty.

Officer Baxter served with the Kissimmee Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and three children

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to death

suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 288 Reflections

May our Lord Jesus always protect and bless Matthew Scott Baxter's wife and three children and may Matthew always R.I.P.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 19, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.