Police Officer Leonard B. Wilcox

Police Officer Leonard B. Wilcox | United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government
Police Officer Leonard B. Wilcox

United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, January 31, 1986

Add to My Heroes

Leonard B. Wilcox

Police Officer Leonard Wilcox and Police Officer Mark Decker were shot and killed while attempting to question a suspicious man at the Brecksville VA Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Both officers were armed only with mace due to administrative guidelines.

While the officers were talking with the man he pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer Decker, killing him instantly. Officer Wilcox attempted to run for cover, but the suspect chased him before shooting him as well.

The 28-year-old suspect was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two life terms. He will be eligible for parole on October 1, 2046.

Officer Wilcox had served with the Department of Veterans Affairs Police for two years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Ohio
  • Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to two life terms
LODD Mapping FAQs

Related LODD Deaths

Most Recent Reflection

View all 28 Reflections

May God and St. Michael watch over you and Officer Decker in Heaven. You are not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

January 31, 2024

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.

Recent LODD Deaths