Man who killed Fla. deputy during traffic stop sentenced to death

By Joanna Putman
Police1

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A man who was convicted of shooting and killing Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers during a traffic stop nearly three years ago has been sentenced to death, News4Jax reported.

Trending

Officer Down

Texas reserve deputy killed while directing traffic around a construction site

Jefferson County Constable’s Reserve Deputy Heather Avery-Stutes was killed when a truck hit her cruiser as she directed traffic; she had served with the department for four years

April 29, 2026 10:26 AM

 · 

Joanna Putman

Corrections

New Orleans sheriff indicted on 30 felony counts in connection with escape of 10 inmates

Louisiana A.G. Liz Murrill said a state probe found that Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson’s poor management of the jail allegedly led to the escape

April 30, 2026 09:52 AM

Legal

Wash. judge blocks parts of state law that added new background requirments for sheriffs

A group of sheriffs filed a lawsuit following the law’s passage, alleging it gave the state certification board unconstitutional authority to remove elected sheriffs

April 30, 2026 04:50 PM

Officer Down

In department first, NYPD adds names of officers who died from COVID-19 to ‘Hall of Heroes’

“These officers ... continued to show up for this city at a moment when uncertainty affected everything about daily life,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said

April 29, 2026 10:24 AM

In April, the jury voted 11 to 1 to recommend a death sentence for Patrick McDowell, according to the report. On July 17, a judge sentenced McDowell to death.

McDowell, who pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of Moyers, encouraged jurors to recommend the death penalty during his sentencing trial.

“I can’t take away the pain I’ve caused, but I can pay for it. So make me pay for it,” McDowell told the jurors.

Moyers was conducting a traffic stop when the driver, identified as McDowell, shot Moyers in the face and back, Sheriff Bill Leeper said. A second deputy found Moyers wounded on the ground.

McDowell was captured following a five-day manhunt.

“We thank the jury for their time and diligent attention to this most important matter. Their recommendation recognizes Josh’s service in life as well as the cold and calculated manner of his death. Josh’s family, fiancée, friends, and fellow officers have suffered immense pain from his senseless murder. I hope today’s end of the penalty trial may begin the healing they deserve,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson said.