Police Officer John F. McEntee, Jr.

Police Officer John F. McEntee, Jr. | Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
Police Officer John F. McEntee, Jr.

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, February 20, 1971

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John F. McEntee, Jr.

Police Officer John McEntee was shot and killed as he was sitting in his patrol car at the corner of Woodstock Street and Norris Street. He and other officers had responded to an unfounded radio call. Two youths, 15 and 18, walked up behind his car as he was writing a report. The 15-year-old pulled a pistol and shot him twice in the back of the head. Both were apprehended and charged with murder. When asked why did you shoot him, the killer replied, "I just wanted to". Witnesses stated he told them, "I want to kill a cop".

In 1973 the boy, with testimony from his companion, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He received a new trial and was sentenced to life again in 1975. Due to legal issues in both trials, a third trial was ordered and he was released in leu of bond. In 1979 he was convicted a third time and sent to prison for life. In consideration for the other suspect's testimony, he was sentenced to 3 to 20 years.

Officer McEntee was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 1-1/2 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 1 year, 6 months
  • Badge 3725
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life
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Johnny was my cousin…I was only nine when he was killed. I still think of him often. I was just a little kid but he was such a positive force in our family, a hero really who I Idolized. I still remember vividly the Christmas before his murder when he gave me a metal replica Philly PD Patrol car with flashing lights. Hard to believe tomorrow will be 52 years and even more tragic with the murder of a Temple University Officer just last night (John was a Temple guy). When will this BS stop…I suppose never sadly…thoughts and Prayers for Officer Fitzgerald’s family….and Johnny we still love & miss you. Thank you to all those who put their life on the line EVERY day to serve and protect. I am not naive and realize there are bad cops (Memphis etc) but by a vast majority most are good and decent human beings who protect us from the far too many scumbags that walk our streets.

Fran Convery
Proud Cousin & PD (Philly & Everywhere) Supporter

February 19, 2023

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