Detective John Sczyrek, 30, was fatally shot in June 1993 inside the Essex County Courthouse while waiting on the 11th floor to testify as a key witness in a narcotics case. A man approached and fired a .357 Magnum, striking Sczyrek in the head. The shooter was identified as 25-year-old Eddie Lee Oliver Philson, a cousin of the defendants Sczyrek was to testify against.

As Philson tried to flee, he shot Sheriff’s Officer Ralph Rizzolo, who responded to the initial gunfire; Rizzolo was critically wounded but ultimately survived. Philson discarded the handgun in bushes outside the courthouse and was captured a short distance away. The attack followed a reported plan: Philson allegedly told relatives the day before that he intended to travel to New Jersey to kill Detective Sczyrek and the presiding judge. A 22-year-old court employee, Tenesha James, used her access to bypass metal detectors and smuggle the handgun into the building, handing it to Philson.

Both Philson and James were arrested, charged, and later convicted for their roles; Philson received life in prison and James a 20-year sentence. Does anyone have additional information about courthouse security changes made after this attack or remember details from the trial?