Detective Corporal John Robert Christian, Jr.

John Robert Christian, Jr.

Detective Corporal John Christian was shot and killed while moonlighting as a uniformed security officer at a Beer Distributor at 8:30 pm. He was informed of a robbery in progress in the Beer Distributors grocery store area and was shot and killed as he approached the robbery suspects outside as they were leaving the store. He was taken to Harrisburg Hospital where he died of his wounds three hours later.

The suspect fled but was apprehended in another state. The suspect was found guilty of First Degree Murder and additional charges for robbery on April 19, 1979, and was sentenced to life in Prison.

Detective Corporal Christian was a U.S Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.