Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, February 20, 1971
Add to My HeroesJohn 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 lieu of bond. In 1979, he was convicted a third time and sent to prison for life. In consideration of the other suspect's testimony, he was sentenced to 3 to 20 years.
Officer McEntee was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsRest in Peace… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Officer John Amici
Philadelphia Police
February 21, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024