Patrol Officer James Gatzounas, Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrol Officer James Gatzounas

Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Saturday, January 1, 1977

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James Gatzounas

Patrol Officer James Gatzounas died after being assaulted as he and other officers responded to a fight at a New Year's Eve street party.

As Officer Gatzounas attempted to place one of the suspects under arrest, he was repeatedly kicked and punched, and he went into cardiac arrest. Another officer suffered head injuries.

Two suspects, ages 19 and 17, were charged with first-degree murder. When Officer Gatzounas' autopsy revealed he died of cardiac arrest instead of injuries from the beating, the charges were reduced to manslaughter.

Officer Gatzounas was a United States Army Vietnam veteran and served with the Holyoke Police Department for 18 months. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Person
Offender Charged with manslaughter

arrest attempt, fight call

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Gatzounas, it's now been 59 years since your murder. I suppose legally, it WAS Manslaughter, but since your heart attack would have been unlikely without the disgraceful acts of your murderers, I feel there was a miscarriage of justice. I pray to GOD that the two who killed you either learned from their acts and completely reformed, or at some point faced true justice, if not in this life, then they will in the next.

God Bless you, Brother, your career was never allowed to flourish and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

January 1, 2025