Death penalty sought for accused Kissimmee cop killer

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Prosecutors with the state announced Friday that they plan to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing two Kissimmee police officers.

Everett Miller shot and killed Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard last month near Palmway and Cypress Streets in Kissimmee after they responded to a suspicious persons call, investigators said.

Kissimmee police Chief Jeff O'Dell said the officers didn't even have time to draw their weapons.

Miller appeared in court Friday afternoon, where the court heard arguments on whether he’s competent to stand trial. Miller underwent a mental health evaluation weeks before the shooting regarding a standoff with police.

A doctor testified that Miller has a mental illness that was not disclosed in court, but that he's competent to stand trial.

"He was at least average, possibly above-average intelligence. He had no suicidal or homicidal ideations or delusions," said Circuit Court Judge Greg Tynan.

Shortly after Miller was arrested at Roscoe’s bar, he asked officers to kill him and that “he did a bad thing," investigators said.

Baxter's wife, Sadia was also in court, and was seen wiping around tears. It was her first time seeing Miller since her husband was killed.

Sadia Baxter is a former Kissimmee police officer now agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"She wants the community to know she senses their prayers and is asking they continue to pray for her and her little girls who are without their father," said Angela Starke, spokeswoman for FDLE.

Miller was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder earlier this month.

Miller's trial is set for January 2018.

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