James L. Gordon, a 41-year-old Black Metropolitan Police Department officer with 17 years’ service, was shot and killed on December 14, 1987, after returning to his Largo, Maryland, home following a shift. Gordon noticed a window open and, believing a burglary was in progress, drew his service weapon and entered the house. A neighbor called police after seeing a man with a gun at the residence.

Cpl. Robert W. Raymond, a 27-year-old Prince George’s County Police Officer, responded and saw a man inside holding a firearm. Raymond identified himself and ordered the man to drop the weapon. As Gordon turned while still holding his gun, Raymond fired one shot that struck Gordon in the chest and proved fatal. Investigators later found the back window had been pried open, supporting Gordon’s concern about a possible break-in. Cpl. Raymond was placed on routine administrative leave pending review.

Are there witnesses or additional details about the events outside the house that anyone can share?