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 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. In November 2019 the jury recommended he receive 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 Convicted of murder
Related LODD Deaths
Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter
Kissimmee Police Department, FL
EOW: August 18, 2017
Most Recent Reflection
View all 202 ReflectionsSergeant Richard Samuel Howard Will never ever be forgotten. I've been keeping track of this case over the past two years they social media, and your presence along with Officer Matthew Scott Baxter are alive and well. The sick person who caused so much turmoil was properly convicted this month, so hopefully he will never cause this type of devastation to a L EO family again. May God keep watch over Howard and Baxter families, especially Ms. Baxter who's continues to serve in Law Enforcement.
First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police
September 18, 2019
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