Deputy Joseph V. Conte, aged 47, tragically lost his life on July 11, 1979, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Deputy Conte was a dedicated member of the Broward County Sheriff's Office, having joined the force in 1976 after serving honorably in the U.S. Navy. On the fateful day, Deputy Conte was performing his duties, escorting prisoners from the Broward Sheriff's Office County Jail to a medical office in Fort Lauderdale.
Among the prisoners was Gary Eaton, who had orchestrated an escape plan with the help of his girlfriend, Dawn Sobel, and a hired gunman, John Gombos.
As Deputy Conte led Eaton from the detention van to the doctor's office, he was ambushed by Gombos, who shot and killed him. This premeditated attack was part of Eaton's escape plan, which involved Sobel hiring Gombos to assist in the breakout. The murder of Deputy Conte was a shocking and devastating event for the community and the law enforcement fraternity.
Following the incident, a thorough investigation led to the arrests and subsequent convictions of those involved. John Gombos was convicted of second-degree murder and aiding an escape, receiving a 75-year prison sentence. Gary Eaton was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted escape, resulting in a life sentence. Dawn Sobel, who played a crucial role in the escape plan, was also convicted of second-degree murder.
The case of Deputy Conte's murder highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the lengths to which some individuals would go to evade justice. The legal proceedings ensured that those responsible for this heinous crime were held accountable, providing some measure of justice for Deputy Conte and his family. In honor of his service and sacrifice, Broward County named a medium custody inmate housing facility after him in May 1999, ensuring that his legacy would be remembered by future generations.
