As we look back to document major incidents that have impacted Miami Springs over the last 100 years, we couldn’t ignore the horrifying incident that occurred at Miami Springs Senior High on May 1, 1995.
WARNING:Â This case involves the sexual assault of a minor.
Andrew Charles Peters, a Miami Springs Senior High 1993 graduate, entered the Miami Springs Senior High campus on Monday, May 1, 1995, with a baby he had abducted from a temp job in Hialeah.
Back in those days, school campuses were fairly open and easy to access. Peters entered the physical building through a side entrance near what was then called the “Senior Parking Lot.”
Once inside the building, Peters brandished a weapon to gain entry into a nearby music room that had 13 students (12 of which were girls) and a female piano teacher.
Once inside the classroom, Peters threatened to shoot the baby if the students disobeyed his commands. He then ordered the girls in the class to remove their clothing. Unfortunately, Peters then proceeded to rape a 14 year old female student in front of her sobbing classmates.
Thankfully, the band director, Bill Shepard, was stopping by the classroom when he saw what was happening. He immediately took action and snuck into the class. That’s when Shepard was able to tackle and subdue Peters.
Shepard was quoted in The Miami Herald saying, “You can’t just sit there and watch a girl get raped…I tried to time it so he wouldn’t have an opportunity to shoot.”
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald/196052406/
Article from May 2, 1995 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
According to The Miami Herald, Peters was charged by Metro-Dade Police with sexual battery, armed kidnapping, lewd and lascivious conduct and false imprisonment. He was also charged with three counts of abduction by the Hialeah Police Department.
Article from May 3, 1995 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
POSSIBLY PREVENTABLE
Reporting by The Miami Herald alleges that a psychologist had “warned a year ago that Peters was a ‘high risk’ sex offender.”
Article from May 3, 1995 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
CONVICTION
In January of 1997, a jury convicted Andrew Charles Peters. The judge sentenced the “classroom rapist” to three life terms in prison.
Article from Mar 9, 1997 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
As Miami Springs celebrates its 100 Year Anniversary, we’re looking back at stories that shaped Miami Springs. Some stories are uplifting and inspirational. While others left lasting scars.
Some are a reminder of things we may have forgotten. While other stories, some may never have known.
We encourage residents to share their stories, anecdotes, pictures, and videos with us. Simply email us at History@MiamiSprings.com.
