Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Mark DeCuypere was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a domestic dispute at 386 Leeland Avenue in Hampton. 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 at 7:30 a.m. 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 hid behind the shrub and shot the other officer as he requested backup. Although wounded, the officer obtained 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 was a United States Navy and Navy Reserve veteran and had served with the Hampton Police Department for 21 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-54E2B289- 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.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman DeCuypere gave the Hampton Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Hampton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Mark Curtis DeCuypere served in the Other (1971â1973) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Mark Curtis DeCuypere 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Hampton Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Mark Curtis DeCuypere's cause is highlighted.
How Mark Curtis DeCuypere Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Mark Curtis DeCuypere is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Mark Curtis DeCuypere was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hampton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
