On a brisk November evening in 1981, the life of George Spencer, a 34-year-old Black/African American United States Customs Patrol Officer, came to a sudden and violent end in Queens, New York. The events of that night, November 30th, would leave a lasting scar on his family and the law enforcement community.
Spencer had just finished his shift at Kennedy Airport and was visiting a friend when the piercing sound of his car alarm cut through the night.
When he went to see what was amiss, he was met by two men attempting to steal his vehicle. One of the individuals was armed, and the situation quickly escalated. An armed man fired at Spencer, who, despite being off-duty, drew his own weapon and gave chase. The pursuit led them down a nearby alley, where a firefight erupted. In that dark and narrow space, Officer Spencer was fatally wounded. The two assailants vanished into the night, leaving a devastating scene behind.
George Spencer was not only a dedicated Customs Officer but also a veteran of the United States Army. His untimely death left behind a wife and child, who were robbed of a husband and father. The investigation into his murder was launched, but the identities of the two men responsible for this senseless act of violence have remained a mystery. To this day, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Officer George Spencer, and the case remains an unsolved tragedy, a painful reminder of a life cut short in the line of duty, even when off the clock.
