Special Agent Eddie Benitez

Special Agent Eddie Benitez

United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Government

End of Watch Tuesday, July 12, 1983

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Eddie Benitez

Special Agent Eddie Benitez was shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest during an undercover operation in Miami, Florida.

During the previous week, the suspect had sold Agent Benitez several handguns, rifles, and silencers. The suspect agreed to meet Agent Benitez at a local shopping plaza at the intersection of NW 37th Avenue and 7th Street. Agent Benitez met the man in the parking lot and began talking to him as the man sat in his car. When Agent Benitez identified himself as an agent the subject produced a .38 caliber handgun and shot him twice.

The subject was found guilty of second-degree murder, firearms, and drug charges. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Agent Benitez had served with the ATF for three years and had previously served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for four years. He was survived by his parents and three sisters.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Florida
Incident Date Friday, July 8, 1983
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

arrest attempt, undercover

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Most Recent Reflection

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Eddie, Judy & I were interviewed today for an ATF HQ’s sanctioned documentary about your short but incredibly blessed life. I remembered our great times together, 1st as roomies, then colleagues. You were one of a kind & after Judy & I married, we invited you to stay with us until you found another place. Judy considered you as her younger brother as you were three years younger than her. When Jim Pherson called me at home on that fateful day, I went to hospital to be with you & family until you passed on July 12, 1983. I ran interferrence for your family by throwing out reporters, rubberneckers & people who just wanted to be near you! I finally had to say goodbye, “I’ll see you again old friend! RIP!

Fred Gleffe RAIC (Retired)
DHS/ICE/HSI (Former ATF Miami District)

February 27, 2024