Deputy Robert Max Suarez

Robert Max Suarez

Deputy Sheriff Robert Suarez was killed as he attempted to serve a civil paper for recovery of furniture on a man in the area of Willow and Chestnut Streets. As he was reading the paper the man attempted to walk away. When Deputy Suarez grabbed him by the arm he turned and stabbed him several times. He then grabbed his service revolver and shot him.

The 25-year-old suspect was apprehended three weeks later in Birmingham, Alabama. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court ordered a new trial resulting in a second degree murder conviction and a life sentence.