Detective George Zicarelli, 52, was shot and killed on September 17, 1979, while on an extradition assignment in New York City. He and two other Cleveland Division of Police officers were exiting their vehicle in the parking lot of the Skyway Motel near La Guardia Airport in Queens when three suspects approached and attempted to rob them. After the officers identified themselves, one suspect opened fire, killing Detective Zicarelli; the assailants then stole the officers’ vehicle and fled.

New York City detectives quickly apprehended the three suspects. Two 17-year-olds were captured the next day, and a 19-year-old later turned himself in to a local television station. The oldest was convicted on May 23, 1980 of second-degree murder, attempted robbery and grand larceny and received a life sentence; another suspect was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon and grand larceny. Detective Zicarelli had served 33 years with the Cleveland Division of Police and was due to retire in six months; he left behind five children and three grandchildren.