Haddon Heights Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Thursday, April 20, 1995
Add to My HeroesJohn Frank Norcross
Patrolman John Norcross and Investigator John McLaughlin of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office were shot and killed while trying to serve a search warrant on a suspect being investigated for child abuse. The 38-year-old suspect had gone through a sex-change operation three years earlier to become a female.
After the officers entered the house, the suspect opened fire, killing Investigator McLaughlin and wounding Patrolman Richard Norcross. Patrolman John Norcross, the brother of the wounded officer, responded to the shots fired call and was shot and killed after arriving on the scene.
The suspect was found guilty of both murders and received a life sentence and a death sentence. The New Jersey Supreme Court overturned the death sentence after two separate penalty phases of the trial. The suspect was sentenced to death after a third trial, but the sentence was eventually reduced to life in prison. She will be eligible for parole on February 24, 2048.
Patrolman Norcross had served with the Haddon Heights Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, mother, father, sister, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 1822
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; Semi-automatic
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 40 ReflectionsPlease watch this short documentary to learn about my brother Patrolman John Norcross and my partner, Inv. Jack McLaughlin and how they valiantly gave it their all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_2G2rzO9N8
Richard Norcross
Retired Police Offier & Survivor
Ptlm. John Norcross (Brother) Haddon Heights (NJ) PD EOW 4/20/1995
June 24, 2024
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