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Will Virginia Beach Find the Killer?

Today marks the one year anniversary of the shooting of a Norfolk police office. Early in the morning a year ago a driver on Oceana Boulevard noticed a Ford F-150 parked in the grass. The driver stopped to see if someone needed help and that was when he found the body of Officer Victor Decker. He was outside of his vehicle and had his police badge around his neck. Investigators assume the shooting happened sometime after 2 a.m.

They still don't know how the shooting happened or who did it. The case is very high profile case since it is still unsolved. In Virginia Beach detectives typically solve 4 out of 5 homicides. Since this case involves a police officer there is even a stronger sense of urgency to solve the case. Office Decker was a decorated policeman and a brand new father at the time of his death.

Before his tragic death, Decker attended a breast cancer fundraiser at Atlantis Gentleman's Club on Oceana Boulevard near the Naval Air Station. Decker left the club when it closed and walked a few friends to their cars. His friend Bobby Tsakpinis who was with Decker at the club, said they had plans to go to a late night tapas restaurant as they were leaving. Decker's never showed up to the restaurant. Tsakpinis assumed that Decker's had gone home since he did not usually go out at night. Tsalpinis found out about Decker's death the next day.

Upon finding out about the murder, officers searched the area for clues, interviewed multiple people from Atlantis, reviewed phone records and surveillance footage, and begged for anyone to come forward with any information.

A year later, no major breaks have come through the case. The killer is still out there and free.

The police department has not given up on the case. They have one of the best detectives, John Allen, assigned to the case. The police have been quiet about any developments about the unsolved case but yesterday police spokesmen asked for continued support and help from the community. Most homicides are solved within 72 hours. After that time period, the chances of catching the killer become much less possible. Authorities say that a case that has gone this long unsolved needs a lot of perseverance and luck. Local police are not willing to let this case go cold quite yet.

Supporters have offered over $10,000 in reward money. In regards to luck, they are hoping that someone will slip up or barter information for a lower prison sentence which can give the investigation some leads.

Meanwhile, Dawn Decker, Decker's wife, and his one-year-old daughter are still waiting to hear some news about the case. Dawn Decker can not qualify for state and federal line-of-duty death benefits until investigators decide if Decker was acting as a police officer at the time of his death. Locals are encouraged to stop by the memorial for Officer Decker at the place of his death and continue to commit to solving this case.

If you or someone you know is in need of legal aid, please contact your local Hampton Roads Attorney Michael S. Weisberg. He has served the people of Hampton Roads for over thirty years and is more than willing to offer his advice and counsel. Please call today to set up a free consultation.




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com