Eddie Benitez, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, died on July 12, 1983, from wounds sustained four days earlier during an undercover arrest attempt in northwest Miami. Benitez had been working an undercover operation targeting the illegal trade in firearms, explosives and narcotics and had made previous undercover purchases from Eduardo Rouco. During an attempted arrest of Rouco in a parking lot on July 8, 1983, Rouco resisted and shot Benitez. Benitez was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital and died on July 12.

The investigation led to Rouco being convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years to life; he later died in prison. Several accomplices tied to the firearms and drug activity uncovered by Benitez’s work were also convicted and received lengthy prison terms. Benitez had been recognized for his contributions to combating international firearms smuggling and received an award for exceptional service months before his death.

Did anyone who knew Agent Benitez or who was in northwest Miami in July 1983 have information about the case or the parking lot arrest attempt?