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 211 ReflectionsSgt Howard, I am so, so sorry and sad that your precious life ended due to criminal actions. You were, and remain a hero in the memories held by your family, friends, co-workers, and decent people everywhere. You would be glad to know that the perp who did this to you was given the death penalty. He deserves nothing less than that.
Yvonne Buoncora
A concerned citizen
May 17, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022

Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin W. "Melvin" Richardson
Fremont County Sheriff's Office, IA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Correctional Officer IV Jade Drennan
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: May 19, 2022

Deputy First Class Glenn R. Hilliard
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: June 12, 2022