Patrolman Mark Curtis DeCuypere

Mark Curtis DeCuypere

Patrolman Mark DeCuypere was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a domestic dispute at 386 Leeland Avenue.

The male suspect had just murdered his wife in their front yard and was waiting in ambush for responding officers. Patrolman DeCuypere arrived at the scene and notified dispatch of his location after seeing the woman's body in the street. As he ended his radio call the man, who was hiding behind a bush next to the driver's door of the patrol car, opened fire with a shotgun and struck Patrolman DeCuypere in the head.

The man remained in his hiding spot until EMTs arrived several minutes later. He began to approach the EMTs who were attending to the murdered woman when Patrolman DeCuypere's backup arrived. The man again returned to the bush to hide and then shot the other officer as he requested backup. Although wounded, the officer was able to obtain his shotgun and fatally shot the subject.

Patrolman DeCuypere was transported to Dixie Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.

Patrolman DeCuypere had served with the Hampton Police Department for 21 months. He was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.