Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Kissimmee Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, August 18, 2017

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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

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Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter will always be remembered for the Police Officer he was, for the husband he was to his wife, and for the father he was to his beautiful children. May God bless his family forever.

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

August 19, 2024

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