Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Saturday, January 1, 1977
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: January 1, 1977
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Charged with manslaughter
Officer James Gatzounas died after being assaulted as he and other officers responded to a fight at a New Year's Eve street party. As Officer Gatzounas attempted to place one of the suspects under arrest, he was repeatedly kicked and punched, and he went into cardiac arrest.
Two suspects, ages 19 and 17, were charged with first-degree murder. When Officer Gatzounas' autopsy revealed he died of cardiac arrest instead of injuries from the beating, the charges were reduced to manslaughter.
Officer Gatzounas was a United States Army Vietnam veteran and served with the Holyoke Police Department for 18 months. He was survived by his wife and child.