On May 28, 1985, Thomas Joseph Trench, a 43-year-old Philadelphia Police Department officer with 11 years’ service, was shot and killed in an ambush while seated in his patrol car at 17th and Spring Garden streets. A police sergeant on patrol found him slumped over; he had been shot once in the neck and once in the face. His service revolver remained in its holster, nothing was taken from the cruiser, and no weapon was recovered at the scene.

Detectives examined the squad car and interviewed area residents. Early speculation about a connection to the recent confrontation with the MOVE organization was quickly ruled out. Investigators also found Kill All Cops scrawled on a nearby building, but no direct link to the murder was established.

Wilfredo Santiago was identified as a suspect and convicted in 1986; that conviction was later overturned on appeal and Santiago was released after serving seven years. The murder weapon has never been recovered. Officer Trench is survived by his wife and two daughters.

If anyone knew Officer Trench, his routines, or observed suspicious activity near 17th and Spring Garden on May 28, 1985, please share what you remember.