Sergeant John David Conner, III

Sergeant John David Conner, III

Manassas Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Sunday, July 24, 1988

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John David Conner, III

Sergeant John Conner was shot and killed after responding to a report of a man sitting on his front porch with an AR-15 rifle and firing shots in the air.

As police units arrived, the suspect entered his townhouse and exited the rear door. Sergeant Conner was approaching the rear of the townhouse when he encountered the suspect. Shots were exchanged, with the suspect being shot in the foot and Sergeant Conner being shot three times. The suspect was taken into custody by other officers.

Sergeant Conner was transported to a local hospital and then flown to Fairfax Hospital where he died several few hours later. The fatal wound was a gunshot to the back of Sergeant Conner's head.

The investigation revealed the suspect had been involved in an argument earlier in the day with his wife and was upset.

The suspect was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was executed nine years later.

Sergeant Conner succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Sergeant Conner was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Manassas Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 23
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; AR-15
  • Offender Executed

domestic, shots fired call

Most Recent Reflection

View all 38 Reflections

It's hard to believe that it's been 34 years since that horrific evening. Myself and my fellow brothers who were with you that night will never forget. RIP , John.

Retired Detective Tom Horn
City of Manassas

July 24, 2022

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