Investigator John D. McLaughlin

Investigator John D. McLaughlin

Camden County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey

End of Watch Thursday, April 20, 1995

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John D. McLaughlin

Investigator John McLaughlin and Patrolman John Norcross, of the Haddon Heights Police Department, 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, at 1231 Sylvan Drive, 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.

Investigator McLaughlin had recently retired from the USAF Security Police and served with the Camden County Prosecutor's Office for two months. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 2 months
  • Badge 188
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; Semi-automatic
  • Offender Sentenced to life

fatal funnel, search warrant

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I love law enforcement but mostly hhpd njsp 188 gone but not forgoten

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September 29, 2022

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