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Detectives provide new information to help solve firefighter’s 1986 murder in Miramar

MIRAMAR, Fla. – On Oct. 21, 1986, William “Billy” Halpern was brutally murdered in his Miramar home and now detectives said Wednesday they are one step closer to finding the culprit responsible for his death.

Halpern, who was 28 years old at the time, was a former Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue paramedic who was found dead in the bedroom of his townhome in the Woodscape subdivision, police said.

Investigators said Halpern was cut by an unknown object and bled to death, according to a Miramar Police Department press release.

Detectives learned that Halpern, who was an avid bodybuilder, also worked at the Apollo Gym in Hollywood, a business tied to several murders.

While former Miami-Dade Police Officer Gilbert Fernandez, who is now behind bars is suspected of killing Halpern, detectives haven’t been able to determine if he committed the murder.

Their hope is with new DNA profiles they’ve been able to obtain, someone will come forward with information that will lead to finding his killer.

“We are asking the public to come forward and even give us the name of someone who they believe was there so that we can potentially get their DNA and compare that to what we have,” said Miramar Police Department Detective Danny Smith.

Halpern’s loved ones say he had a loving family and was described by many as a good friend.

Detectives said they believe several people were involved in his murder and he may have let them into his home since there was no forced entry.

They don’t believe Halpern was involved in any criminal activity, but people who attended the Apollo gym were connected to illegal drug and gun activity.

Smith said he believes Halpern was killed to “keep him quiet” because he knew of the criminal activity that was taking place at the gym.

Investigators said they have been able to obtain several DNA partial profiles, but they now need the help of the public to identify who the profiles go to.

“We have a 99% completed puzzle and we need to find that missing piece to find out who killed Billy,” the detectives said.

Halpern’s loved ones who attended the press conference said they won’t stop looking for answers 37 years later.

“To be without your brother for that long is terrible,” said Lori Halpern, Billy Halpern’s sister. “It won’t bring Billy back but it will give me closure it is important that they find out why and that they get punished for what they have done.”

Detectives believe that multiple people were involved in his murder since Billy was a large, bodybuilder and worked out often.

Authorities are urging the public to contact the Miramar Police Department at 954-602-4000 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 if they have any information on the case.

They also said anyone with information that leads to an arrest can receive a reward of up to $10,000.

Local 10 News viewers can watch the Miramar Police Department’s press conference below.


About the Authors
Roy Ramos headshot

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.

Ryan Mackey headshot

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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