Trooper Philip Joseph Lamonaco, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey

Trooper Philip Joseph Lamonaco

New Jersey State Police, New Jersey

End of Watch Monday, December 21, 1981

Philip Joseph Lamonaco

Trooper Philip Lamonaco was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Knowlton Township.

The incident occurred when he stopped two members of a radical environmental group, known as the United Freedom Front, on I-80. The suspects robbed banks to fund their radical operations which included bombing energy sites.

Several suspects were apprehended and two of them were sentenced to death for Trooper Lamonaco's murder. A third suspect was sentenced to 30 years in prison on federal charges. He was also sentenced to life on state charges, which will start when he is released from federal custody.

On July 19, 1983, Lieutenant Lester Pagano was killed in an automobile accident while investigating Trooper Lamonaco's murder. Lieutenant Pagano had finished following up on leads in reference to the case when the accident occurred.

Trooper Lamonaco had been employed with the New Jersey State Police for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

A seven mile portion of I-80 was renamed and dedicated in Trooper Lamonaco's memory.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 11 years
Badge 2663

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
Offender Two sentenced to death

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On April 25,1985 I led an escort of US Federal Marshals from the Virginia Beach City Jail here in Virginia to the federal courthouse in Norfolk.
He had been captured the day before with his wife at a rental property.
I also kept detailed info on his killer in my notebook and the groups movements.

It was gratifying to be part of this mans capture. Partly because I lost my twin brother LAPD Off Duane C. Kohnson, EOW 12-19-1984

May Tpr Lamonaco Rest In Peace.

MPO Dana Jonson, retired
Virginia Beach Police Dept.

October 24, 2018