More Than 50 Years Ago, A Maryland Cop Was Murdered. Police Say Someone Just Confessed To The Killing.
Sep. 8 2022, Published 2:08 p.m. ET
After more than 50 years, police in Maryland said they have arrested a suspect in the killing of an officer.
On Oct. 23, 1971, Montgomery County police in Maryland were called to the Manor Country Club after a witness reported a man face down in the parking lot.
Police arrived at the scene and identified the victim as Capt. James Tappen Hall. He had a gunshot wound. Hall was taken to the hospital, where he died a few days later, police said.
Investigators believed Hall interrupted a residential burglary when he was killed.
The killer was never caught, and the case went cold.
In October 2021, police gave the case a fresh look to mark the 50th anniversary of the killing, police said.
A suspect was identified, Larry David Smith aka Larry David Becker. He was interviewed in 1973, but never named as a suspect.
Police spoke to Smith again on Sept. 1, 2022, and he admitted to killing the police officer. Now, he has been arrested and charged with murder.
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