Kissimmee Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, August 19, 2017
Add to My HeroesRichard Samuel Howard, III
Sergeant Sam Howard and Police Officer Matthew Baxter 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 the Osceola County Sheriff's Office members. 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.
Sergeant Howard was a U.S Army veteran and had served with the Kissimmee Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, August 18, 2017
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 214 ReflectionsWe once again have the honor to remember both Sergeant Richard Samuel Howard, and Officer Matthew Scott Baxter. May their souls forever rest in Heaven, and may God bless their families.
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