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 39 ReflectionsJohn you were the best dispatcher I ever had. I knew you would make an excellent police officer but as it turned out that was taken away from you. John you will NEVER be forgotten as a police officer or as a man. Love you Ret/Sgt. Tim Daly
Ret/Sgt. Tim Daly
Haddon Heights Police Department
April 19, 2023
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