Christopher Randazzo
Two men convicted of murdering Coral Springs Firefighter-Paramedic Christopher Randazzo were sentenced Wednesday to life in prison.
Torrey Holston and Jose Romero were convicted in May of the murder of Randazzo, 39, whose body was found near the Southern Seas Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Oct. 19, 2019.
Randazzo had been shot in the back of the head. His iPhone, sneakers, wallet, keys, and other belongings were taken.
Police said Holston and Romero, who were 19 and 20 at the time, robbed Randazzo, then returned because his stolen phone was locked and they wanted the passcode. When Randazzo did not unlock the phone, he was shot, according to police. Prosecutors said the men stole $55, sneakers, and an iPhone from him.
A third man, Marco Rico, was identified by authorities as the getaway driver. He pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and criminal conspiracy.
Although Holston and Romero were found guilty of murder, the jury did not find them guilty of possessing or discharging a firearm. Judge Michael A. Usan said after the verdict that jurors were clear about both men’s involvement but may not have been able to determine beyond a reasonable doubt who fired the gun. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty, and the murder convictions carried mandatory life sentences.
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department said Wednesday’s sentencing marked the conclusion of a long legal process and brought a measure of closure to those who have carried the loss for nearly seven years.
Fire Chief John Whalen said the court proceeding could not change the fact that “a good man was taken from his family and from his fire department family.”
“But there is some comfort in knowing justice has finally run its course,” Whalen said.
Randazzo joined the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in March 2019 and was killed seven months later. The department said it continues to remember “his service, his sacrifice, and the impact he continues to have on our fire department and community.”
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