On August 1, 1980, Robert Matzke, a 60-year-old white male and retired Air Force colonel, was tragically killed in Holmes Beach, Florida. The incident occurred during a violent spree that left four people dead and one injured. Matzke, who was working in his yard near the Kingfish Boat Ramp, observed a suspicious individual leaving the scene of a crash involving a station wagon and a boat trailer. This individual, later identified as the perpetrator, had already fatally shot Dr. Juan Dumois, 47, his sons Eric, 13, and Mark, 9, and critically injured their uncle, Raymond Barrows, 52, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Matzke followed the suspect to the nearby Foodway grocery store, now a Publix Super Market, where he confronted the man. During this encounter, Matzke was shot and killed by the suspect, who then fled the scene. The suspect, described as a hitchhiker who had initially approached the Dumois family under the pretense of needing help, managed to escape and has never been apprehended.
The case, known as the Kingfish Boat Ramp killings, remains unsolved to this day. Despite extensive investigations and numerous tips, no arrests have been made, and the identity of the killer remains unknown. The Manatee County Crime Stoppers continues to seek information from the public in hopes of solving this cold case. The tragic events of that day have left a lasting impact on the community, with many still remembering the horror and chaos that unfolded.
The hope is that one day, justice will be served for Robert Matzke and the other victims of this senseless act of violence.
