The Miami-Dade (FL) Police Department tragically lost two peace officers on Thursday January 20, 2011 to violent gunfire sparked by a hunted fugitive in a Miami home.
At approximately 11:00 am, Officer Roger Castillo and Officer Amanda Haworth, 44, joined a team of agents to serve a first-degree murder warrant for a repeat offender wanted for an October 2010 slaying.
Upon entering the residence, the 22-year-old suspect—Johnny Simms—allegedly released shots repeatedly at the warrants division force of agents from point-blank range, lethally striking two and injuring one, before Officer Oscar Placencia returned a fatal shot at the suspect.
Twenty-one-year Miami-Dade (FL) veteran Officer Castillo was slain at the crime scene, while fellow 23-year veteran Officer Amanda Haworth was transported to a hospital where she died during surgery. According to authorities, both agents were wearing bullet-proof armor and police identification.
The vicious ambush that took two law enforcement members was the first cluster killing in decades for Miami-Dade (FL). “Two angels from our police department were murdered today and I’m angry about it,” Miami-Dade (FL) Police Director James Loftus said during a moving press conference.
Out of 10 total fatalities in the first month of 2011, three are from Florida. To date, gunfire-related fatalities account for seven deaths, including two from Miami-Dade (FL): Officers Castillo and Haworth. In the recorded history of Miami-Dade (FL) law enforcement, Officer Haworth is the third female officer mortally shot on duty. She is survived by her teenage son.
“Today, our community lost two more heroes. Our hearts ache for their families and their loved ones who are dealing with incomprehensible grief, loss, and shock,” said John Rivera, President of the Miami Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association. “These two officers were loving family members, friends and our neighbors. They wanted to serve their community and make it a better, safer place for all of us,” he said.
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