Family Members Of Officer Amy Caprio 'Humbly Thank Each Of You'

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — It has been five months since Officer Amy Caprio was killed in the line of duty. She was responding to a call about a suspicious situation in Perry Hall when police said she was hit by a Jeep on May 21.

The family of Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio released a statement Monday in a show of thanks. Her maiden name was Sorrells, and the statement came from both the Sorrells and Caprio families.

"The Sorrells and Caprio families of fallen Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to their family and friends, their family in blue, the community, and the general public," the statement said.

"The immediate and continued show of love, support, and compassion from not only the surrounding community, but from around the nation and internationally, has been overwhelmingly moving to Amy’s family, friends and coworkers," the statement said. "Through the compassion that has been shown, and memories that have been shared, Amy’s spirit will live on and continue to shine light on the good that can come from a tragedy."

Caprio, 29, was the first woman in the Baltimore County Police Department to die in the line of duty. She was on Linwen Way in Perry Hall, where there were reports of suspicious people walking around, on May 21.

Four teens have been indicted in Caprio's death on 19 charges each, from first-degree murder to theft less than $100. According to the indictments, they were involved in break-ins at Perry Hall homes, stealing items from a bag of Cheetos to a handgun.

• Eugene Genius, 18, is slated for trial in February 2019.
• Darrell Ward, 16, has a trial set for February 2019.
• Derrick Matthews, 16, is set to face trial in March 2019.
• Dawnta Harris, 16, who is accused of driving the Jeep that hit Caprio, will stand trial in April 2019.

The family of Officer Caprio said that it would be declining interviews as the case works its way through the criminal justice system. It expressed effusive gratitude to the community for the demonstrations of support.

Caprio has been honored in a multitude of ways, from a memorial bike ride to a scholarship at Towson University established in her name.

Loch Raven High School retired her No. 24 jersey at a soccer game last week with a special pregame ceremony attended by some members of her family, according to Fox 45, which reported Caprio was a 2006 graduate of the school and played soccer and lacrosse.

The family said it would be impossible to name everyone it wanted to recognize but did mention the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, Schimunek Funeral Home, Mountain Christian Church, Brothers Before Others and organizations, private companies and schools.

"What has been apparent from the onset is that Amy touched so many lives — either directly or indirectly — and it has been your love and prayers that have given her family the most precious gifts of all," the statement said. "For this, both families humbly thank each of you."

Noting the family wished to decline media interviews, the statement said: "The Sorrells and Caprio families respectfully request their privacy during this difficult time and are looking to the justice system for a fair trial in a court of law."

Ways Caprio Has Been Honored

Towson University Scholarship

In honor of Officer Amy Caprio, her alma mater has created a scholarship.

Caprio graduated from Towson University in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science.

Although she intended to become a physical therapist, police said that she discovered her calling was police work. In December 2014, she graduated from the Baltimore County Police Department's Police Academy.

"Her life tragically ended in the line of duty in May 2018, but her legacy lives on through the scholarship in her name at Towson University," according to a statement on the donation site. "The Amy Sorrells Caprio Scholarship Endowment honors Amy's legacy as a Tiger, providing scholarship support to those students following in her footsteps at TU."

Donate to the Amy Sorrells Caprio Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Humane Society Kennel And Plaque

A kennel and plaque were dedicated to Officer Amy Caprio on Aug. 26 at the Humane Society of Harford County. Caprio and her husband adopted their dog, Doodle, from the shelter in 2015.

After her death, those who wished to make memorial contributions were asked to send them to the Humane Society of Harford County, which reports it has collected more than $27,000 donations in her memory.

"We are humbled and truly honored to be a part of Amy's legacy, and we will never forget her and the ultimate sacrifice that she made while protecting our community," the humane society said in a statement.

SEE ALSO:

• Scholarship For Officer Amy Caprio Created At Towson University
• Ceremony Honors Officer Amy Caprio At Loch Raven High School
• Officer Amy Caprio Memorialized At Harford Humane Society
• Memorial Bike Ride Honors Officer Amy Caprio
• Officer Amy Caprio Honored In Ocean City
• 4 Teens Indicted On Murder Charges In Death Of Officer Caprio
• Officer Amy Caprio Awarded Posthumous Departmental Honor
• Slain Officer Amy Caprio Given Hero's Send-Off In Harford County
• Thousands Salute Officer Caprio Along Funeral Procession

Here is the family's full statement issued Monday, Oct. 22, through the Baltimore County Police Department:

"The Sorrells and Caprio families of fallen Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to their family and friends, their family in blue, the community, and the general public. The immediate and continued show of love, support, and compassion from not only the surrounding community, but from around the nation and internationally, has been overwhelmingly moving to Amy’s family, friends, and coworkers. Through the compassion that has been shown, and memories that have been shared, Amy’s spirit will live on and continue to shine light on the good that can come from a tragedy.

"To those who have sent cards, flowers, food, gifts, and artwork, please know that each gift has meant so much to every family member. To thank each and every one individually would be an insurmountable task; however, the family would like to extend their thanks to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, Schimunek Funeral Home, Mountain Christian Church, Brothers Before Others, and so many additional organizations, private companies, and schools who have given and aided in this healing process. What has been apparent from the onset, is that Amy touched so many lives (either directly or indirectly) and it has been your love and prayers that have given her family the most precious gifts of all. For this, both families humbly thank each of you.

"The Sorrells and Caprio families respectfully request their privacy during this difficult time and are looking to the justice system for a fair trial in a court of law. At this time, the family wishes to decline any requests for media interviews.”

Photo of Officer Amy Caprio courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.