Family Members Of Fallen BCPD Officer Write Thank You Letter

TOWSON, MD — It has been five months since the death of Officer Amy Caprio. She was the first woman in the Baltimore County Police Department to die in the line of duty.

Caprio, 29, was killed while responding to a suspicious circumstance on May 21 on Linwen Way in Perry Hall.

Since then, she 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, according to Fox 45, which reported she graduated from the school in 2006 and played soccer and lacrosse. Her family reportedly attended a special special ceremony in her honor before the game.

This fall Towson University also created the Amy Sorrells Caprio Scholarship Endowment Fund in memory of its alumna, who graduated in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science.

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. 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," the statement said.

The family said it would be impossible to name everyone it wanted to recognize but noted 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."

The statement concluded by saying the family did not want to conduct any interviews at the moment.

"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," the statement said.

Caprio was hit by a Jeep on May 21 while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle in a Perry Hall neighborhood where burglaries had also been reported.

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.

SEE ALSO:

• Scholarship For Officer Amy Caprio Created At Towson University
• Ceremony Honors Officer Amy Caprio At Loch Raven High School
• Officer Amy Caprio Honored In Ocean City
• Officer Amy Caprio Memorialized At Harford Humane Society
• Memorial Bike Ride Honors Officer Amy Caprio
• 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.