MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) - Police and a victim’s family are asking for answers in a decades-old unsolved mystery involving a former South Florida firefighter.
The Miramar Police Department shed light on a cold case from the mid-1980s during a news conference held Wednesday.
The once-dormant case came back into focus after authorities uncovered new details over the span of 18 months.
Former Hallandale firefighter William “Billy” Halpern was murdered in his Miramar townhome, located on Southwest 40th Street, in October 1986.
Police now believe they have sufficient information to bring attention back to the 37-year-old case, hoping to encourage witnesses to come forward.
During the announcement, Miramar Police Detective Danny Smith shared insights into the tragic events. It is believed that an assailant knocked on the door forced entry, beat him and subsequently killed him after being targeted.
“We believe that Billy heard something he shouldn’t have heard, and he saw something he shouldn’t have seen,” said Smith. “We believe that Billy was killed to keep him quiet and for nothing else.”
Police said Halpern said he spent a lot of time at a Hollywood gym owned by a former Miami-Dade Police officer named Gil Fernandez.
Fernandez was later sentenced to life in prison for another murder. He remains a suspect in Halpern’s case, but police believe others are involved.
Police believe Halpern overheard individuals who frequented his gym talking about criminal activities.
Halpern’s sister, Lori, also spoke at the news conference.
“He was a loving, wonderful brother,” she said. “I miss him terribly, and everyone who knew Billy loved Billy.”
Detectives said they recently discovered DNA evidence, and they are currently looking for people to connect this evidence to in Halpern’s murder.
Authorities now seek the public’s help in identifying these individuals, as obtaining their names would enable the pursuit of warrants for DNA collection.
“The reason that we are bringing this out now is, we need suspects to compare them to,” said Smith. “We need names, we need somebody to come forward and give us information.”
Lori Halpern said she hopes someone has the courage to come forward all these years later.
“Don;t be afraid. Come and tell them what you know,” she said. “I’d be grateful, my family would be grateful.”
Police said information is one of the greatest gifts a grieving family can receive.
“Living your life with unanswered questions, especially with regard to a loved one, is probably one of the most painful things that you have to endure,” said Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss, “so our hope is that there’s information out there that will help us solve this.”
If you have any information on this case, contact Detective Danny Smith directly at 954-602-4113. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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