Constable John B. DeCarli, Ellington Police Department, Connecticut

Constable John B. DeCarli

Ellington Police Department, Connecticut

End of Watch Sunday, September 1, 1935

Add to My Heroes

John B. DeCarli

Constable John DeCarli succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous night when he was shot by a thief at a farm along West Road.

A farmer had complained that several milk cans had been stolen from his barn over a period of several days. Constable DeCarli and the farmer staked out the barn and at approximately 10:00 pm observed a man stealing a milk can. When the two announced themselves the subject opened fire, striking Constable DeCarli in the leg and abdomen. Constable DeCarli was taken to Rockville General Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds the following day.

The subject fled and was arrested following a long manhunt in which he also wounded a Massachusetts State Police trooper. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison where he died of cancer in 1971.

Constable DeCarli was an Italian immigrant and also served as a captain with the Ellington Fire Department. He was survived by his wife, son, and four daughters.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, August 31, 1935
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Died in prison

burglary, stakeout

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Constale DiCarli, it has been 89 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your fire and 20 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Ellington.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

September 1, 2024