United States of America
Headstone of John David Schroeder
U.S. Army · United States United States

John David Schroeder

Died November 30, 1973

John David Schroeder served in the U.S. Army. John served in World War II.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Detective John Schroeder was shot and killed when he surprised three men who were robbing a pawn shop at 1904 Washington Street. Detective Schroeder was at the business to conduct a background investigation of a police recruit. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder but released on a technicality after serving only 12 years. After being released, he committed an armed robbery and was returned to jail. He was again released, and in August 2018, he was once more arrested on illegal firearms sale charges. Detective Schroeder had been with the Boston Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his parents and four siblings. One of his other brothers, Patrolman Walter Schroeder, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sept. 24, 1970, while working for the Boston Police Department.

Survivors
He was survived by his parents and four siblings.
Media
John David Schroeder
John David Schroeder 0 views
Service Record
1943 – 1945
U.S. Army
1943
Also Served
Boston Police Department
Detective
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 16W · Line 1 cut as JOHN D SCHROEDER
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

22 years. You could have gone home.

Detective Schroeder gave the Boston Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.

Thank you for your service to the Roxbury Crossing community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, Detective Schroeder.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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