U.S. Army · United States 
John Trettin
1976
John Stuart Trettin served the U.S. Army for 2 years. John also served in the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Police Officer John Trettin was shot and fatally wounded by a bullet fired from the roof of a housing project at 25th and Jackson Streets as he and several officers investigated a report of shots being fired. He died four days later from a gunshot wound to the head. A 15-year-old youth was arrested the next day and charged with murder. The suspect, who told police, "I just wanted to kill a cop," was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on September 21st, 1976. In September 2017, the subject was resentenced to 44 years to life in prison, making him eligible for parole, following a United States Supreme Court ruling prohibiting mandatory life sentences for juvenile offenders. Officer Trettin was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three young children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1966 – 1968
U.S. Army
Also Served
Philadelphia Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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