Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Lonchiadis was shot and killed when he interrupted an auto theft in progress at the Worcester City Motel on Route 9. The 16-year-old suspect was able to disarm Patrolman Lonchiadis at gunpoint and forced him into the trunk of his patrol car. The teen then fatally shot him in the chest as Patrolman Lonchiadis told him he had a wife and two kids while pleading for his life. The subject was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 2008, but re-incarcerated in 2010 after being arrested for a parole violation. He was denied parole in January 2012. On February 4th, 2021, he was medically paroled. The parole board said he was suffering from throat cancer and COVID-19, and was not likely to live much longer. He died in a prison hospital in May 2021. Patrolman Lonchiadis had served with the Shrewsbury Police Department for nine months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who became a member of the Shrewsbury Police Department in 1995. His son, Lieutenant Lonchiadis, was serving his 26th year with the Shrewsbury Police Department when his father's killer was paroled.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who became a member of the Shrewsbury Police Department in 1995.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-456FEDAE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Lonchiadis served with the Shrewsbury Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Shrewsbury community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lonchiadis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James Lonchiadis is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Lonchiadis's cause is highlighted.
How James Lonchiadis Compares
Offender Outcome
stolen vehicle
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Lonchiadis is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Lonchiadis was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.