United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Thursday, August 9, 1973
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 9, 1973
Weapon Used: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 25 years
Special Agent Emir Benitez was shot and killed during an undercover cocaine buy in Broward County, Florida.
He had attempted to purchase cocaine but was robbed by the dealer. He and three other agents returned to the apartment, at 2671 NW 8th Place, to arrest the dealer. A group of people in the apartment began to fight with the agents and the dealer opened fire, striking Special Agent Benitez in the head.
The suspect, 24, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison.
Special Agent Benitez had served with the Drug Enforcement Administration since its creation one month earlier. He had previously served with the U.S. Customs Service for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife.