Man accused of stealing expensive parakeets from Miami Gardens home

Police say Matthew Heywood, 28, told them birds later died

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A man is facing charges after he broke into a homeowner's backyard in Miami Gardens and stole three expensive parakeets, authorities said.

According to an arrest report, Matthew Heywood, 28, jumped the front gate of a home in the area of Northwest 39th Court and 161st Street on Feb. 24 and went into the backyard.

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Police said surveillance video shows Heywood lifting a bird cage and stealing three Italian parakeets valued at $900 total. Police said Heywood also damaged the bird cage during the incident, which is valued at $150.

Heywood was arrested Tuesday at his father's home in Miami Gardens.

Police said Heywood confessed to the theft, but he didn't remember much about the incident because he had taken Xanax. According to detectives, Heywood said he only remembered that the birds had died.

Heywood faces charges of third-degree grand theft and burglary.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.