Police escort body of slain Kissimmee police sergeant

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Police on Monday morning escorted the body of slain Kissimmee police Sgt. Sam Howard from Osceola Regional Medical Center to the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.

Investigators said Everett Miller, 45, shot Howard and Kissimmee police Officer Matthew Baxter Friday evening during a scuffle at Palmway and East Cypress streets.

Police said Baxter died at the scene and Howard died Saturday afternoon at Osceola Regional Medical Center.

Investigators said an Osceola County deputy arrested Miller, a former U.S. Marine, late Friday at Roscoe's Bar & Package in Kissimmee. They said he was armed with a 9 mm pistol and .22-caliber revolver.

Miller is charged with one county of premeditated first-degree murder. Additional charges are expected, officials said.

Howard, who has been with the agency 10 years, leaves behind a wife and a teenage daughter. Baxter, who was hired three years ago, leaves behind a wife and four small children.

The patrol cars of Howard and Baxter are parked outside the Kissimmee Police Department, where a growing memorial has formed.

Officials with the city of Kissimmee have opened an account for the families of the fallen officers. Donations may be made at any SunTrust Bank location.

Details of funeral arrangements haven't been announced yet.