Patrolman Mark Curtis DeCuypere

Patrolman Mark Curtis DeCuypere

Hampton Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Thursday, May 22, 1975

Add to My Heroes

Mark Curtis DeCuypere

Patrolman Mark DeCuypere was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a domestic dispute at 386 Leeland Avenue.

The male suspect had just murdered his wife in their front yard and was waiting in ambush for responding officers. Patrolman DeCuypere arrived at the scene and notified dispatch of his location after seeing the woman's body in the street. As he ended his radio call the man, who was hiding behind a bush next to the driver's door of the patrol car, opened fire with a shotgun and struck Patrolman DeCuypere in the head.

The man remained in his hiding spot until EMTs arrived several minutes later. He began to approach the EMTs who were attending to the murdered woman when Patrolman DeCuypere's backup arrived. The man again returned to the bush to hide and then shot the other officer as he requested backup. Although wounded, the officer was able to obtain his shotgun and fatally shot the subject.

Patrolman DeCuypere was transported to Dixie Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.

Patrolman DeCuypere had served with the Hampton Police Department for 21 months. He was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.

Bio

  • Age 22
  • Tour 1 year, 9 months
  • Badge 81

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic, ambush

Most Recent Reflection

View all 26 Reflections

I am Marks only surviving brother. I have been having trouble contacting his friends from his time in the Navy and in Africia. Mostly because of social media misses. I took there are several of his close Navy Family who have tried to reach me. Let me try one more time, if this site doesn't filter out my email address. I can be reached at my personal email at "[email protected]"..... I hope to hear from and reach his friends susseccfully... Matt DeCuypere

Matt DeCuypere
Youngest brother.

October 18, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.