Police Officer Thomas J. Mathews, Abington Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

Police Officer Thomas J. Mathews

Abington Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, June 29, 1949

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Thomas J. Mathews

Police Officer Thomas Mathews was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious truck near Rydal he and his partner had seen leaving a large estate of a prominent citizen.

The driver of the truck fled with Officer Mathews in pursuit. His partner heard several gunshots moments later. Officer Mathews' body was located near a hedge approximately one hour later.

Investigation revealed that the subject had just committed a burglary at the estate. The man was apprehended in Lynchburg, Virginia, returned to Pennsylvania, and sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed on May 18, 1953.

Officer Mathews was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Abington Township Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 1953

burglary

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Dad,

On this 75th anniversary of your murder, your family still misses you. Four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a great grandson that never had the opportunity to meet you and being only two years old at the time, I have no memory of you. We know that some day we will meet you when we move on to our next life.

No greater love hath no man than to lay down their life for another.

Michael, Donna and your family

Son
Son

June 29, 2024