Joseph Eugene LeClaire Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 25 years and 5 months. Joseph served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War, and during the years of Gulf War.
Gunfire
Sergeant Joseph LeClaire was shot and killed when he and two other court officers attempted to serve a warrant on the 4900 block of Stenton Avenue on a suspect wanted for failing to appear in court.
The officers arrived at the suspect's residence at 1:42 am and were admitted into the apartment by a female. When the officers entered the residence, the wanted man opened fire, striking Sergeant LeClaire in the head and stomach. One of the other officers was shot in the stomach and the third was shot in the hand.
At least one of the other officers was able to return fire and wounded the suspect as he attempted to flee. The man was taken into custody a short time later. Sergeant LeClaire was transported to Albert Einstein University Hospital where he was pronounced dead approximately 2 hours later.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death March 13, 2006.
Sergeant LeClaire was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He had been assigned to the Court of Common Pleas for nine years.
Burial Information
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In tribute
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.
Sergeant LeClaire gave the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Warrant Unit 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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