Full Breakdown
Florida Teens Charged with Murder After Killing Off-Duty Firefighter in 2019 Robbery
5/21/2026, 2:23:00 AM
The Fatal Robbery
On a night in 2019, off-duty Coral Springs-Parkland firefighter Christopher Randazzo, 39, was shot and killed outside a resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. Prosecutors allege 19-year-old Torrey Holston and 20-year-old Jose Garcia Romero approached Randazzo, demanded his iPhone, a pair of red Nike sneakers, and his wallet with $55, then fired a handgun, leaving him face down and shoeless. The suspects also seized his car keys before fleeing.
Key Figures
- Christopher Randazzo – 39-year-old firefighter/paramedic, victim.
- Torrey Holston – 19, suspect, known as “Six.”
- Jose Garcia Romero – 20, suspect, known as “Cobra.”
- Cheyenne Papach – Witness who observed the suspects after the shooting.
- Marco Rico – Papach’s boyfriend, pleaded guilty in 2020 to accessory after the fact.
Timeline
- 2019 – Robbery and murder; Randazzo found lying in front of the hotel.
- 2020 – Marco Rico entered a guilty plea for accessory after the fact.
- 2023–2024 – Court records reveal Papach’s testimony; Holston and Romero stand trial on murder, robbery and conspiracy charges.
Witness Accounts
Papach testified she heard a single gunshot as Randazzo passed and later saw Holston and Romero celebrating. She said Holston exclaimed, “I can’t believe I caught a body,” and that both men appeared “very pleased” and were “boasting” about the killing. Police recovered the iPhone, sneakers, wallet and car keys, confirming the stolen items.
Official Responses & Charges
Palm Beach County law-enforcement officials described the incident as the murder of a public safety officer. Prosecutors have charged Holston and Romero with first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon and criminal conspiracy. A police spokesperson said the youths appeared to be under the influence and expressed uncertainty about their motives.
Criticism of Youth Violence
Local officials highlighted growing concerns about violent behavior among adolescents and called for community-based interventions. The “doped up” comment underscores a perceived pattern of reckless aggression that challenges public-safety efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't believe I caught a body,” — Torrey Holston, as reported by Cheyenne Papach
- “He was smiling about it,” — Cheyenne Papach, witness
- “These kids get all doped up, and I can't answer why they do what they do.” — Palm Beach County police official (reported)
- “We can rob him and we can shoot him,” — Torrey Holston, alleged statement to Garcia Romero
- “my military weapon,” — Torrey Holston, alleged description of the gun
Upcoming Proceedings
The trial for Holston and Romero is ongoing; both remain in custody pending the outcome of the murder and robbery charges.
