Two young men will spend the rest of their lives behind bars after being convicted of murdering an off-duty Florida firefighter for his iPhone, red Nike sneakers and wallet containing just $55. Torrey Holston and Jose Garcia Romero were captured on witness testimony describing how they "smiled" and bragged about "catching a body" after gunning down 39-year-old Christopher Randazzo outside a resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
Background
The case dates back to 2019, when Holston and Garcia Romero—then 19 and 20 years old respectively—embarked on what authorities described as a violent robbery spree. The two men, nicknamed "Six" and "Cobra," had allegedly been discussing acquiring firearms and robbing people in the days leading up to Randazzo's killing. According to witness Cheyenne Papach, who was dating an accomplice involved in the case, Holston referred to himself as having "my military weapon" before the shooting occurred.
Randazzo, a firefighter/paramedic with the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, was found lying face down in front of the hotel where he had been killed. He had no shoes on and was missing his wallet, iPhone, car keys, and the prized red Nike sneakers that allegedly drew the killers' attention.
The Investigation
Investigators pieced together the timeline through witness statements and forensic evidence. Papach testified that she heard Holston boast after the shooting: "I think I got him. I saw him slumped over." She recalled seeing both defendants smiling about the murder, with Holston declaring "I can't believe I caught a body" as they fled the scene.
Marco Rico, Papach's boyfriend at the time, drove the Nissan Sentra used as the getaway vehicle. He pleaded guilty in 2020 to accessory after the fact and conspiracy charges related to Randazzo's killing. A separate witness who knew both defendants told investigators they referred to themselves as "real thugs" who "got guns" and weren't afraid to use them.
The Conviction and Sentencing
Holston and Garcia Romero went on trial together in May 2026—seven years after the killing. Both men were convicted of first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and criminal conspiracy. On Wednesday, Broward County Circuit Court Judge Jacqueline S. Allee handed down life sentences to both defendants.
"I think the jury was clear and unanimous on the involvement of both," Judge Allee said during the sentencing hearing.
Garcia Romero's attorney, Jim Lewis, indicated in May that an appeal was being weighed after the verdict. "We had always asked to be separate," Lewis told WPLG. "Jose Romero was never alleged to carry a gun in this incident. The co-defendant was, so to some extent, we paid the price."
Key Takeaways
- Christopher Randazzo, 39, was an off-duty firefighter/paramedic with Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department when he was killed in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
- Torrey Holston and Jose Garcia Romero were convicted of first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and criminal conspiracy.
- Witnesses testified the pair smiled after the killing and bragged about "catching a body."
- The defendants allegedly targeted Randazzo for his red Nike sneakers, iPhone, wallet containing $55, and car keys.
- Accomplice Marco Rico pleaded guilty in 2020 to accessory after the fact and conspiracy charges.
- Both defendants received life sentences without possibility of parole.
What's Next
Defense attorneys for Garcia Romero have indicated they are considering an appeal of the conviction. The case highlights ongoing questions about violent juvenile crime patterns and the pursuit of justice in cold-case style prosecutions that take years to reach trial.