In the early morning hours of October 11, 1992, a domestic disturbance call led to the tragic death of 32-year-old Norristown Police Officer Thomas M. Barone. A male of Italian ethnicity, Barone had been with the Norristown Police Department for two years, following service with the Tredyffrin and Limerick Police Departments. Known for his dedication and love for life, his death was a profound loss to the community.
That fateful night, Officer Barone and his partner, Officer Louis Zbyszinski, responded to a call at a row house on West Elm Street. As Officer Barone ascended a narrow staircase within the home, he was ambushed by Walter H.G. Baker, who opened fire with a. 38 caliber revolver. Officer Barone was struck multiple times in the head and chest. As Officer Zbyszinski attempted to pull his partner to safety, Baker continued to fire, striking Barone again and also injuring a woman in the house.
Walter H.G. Baker was subsequently taken into custody. During his trial for the murder of Officer Barone, in a surprising turn of events, Baker cut off his defense and pleaded guilty, stating his desire to 'get it over with.' He was convicted of first-degree murder in April 1993 and sentenced to death. However, Baker was never executed; he later died of natural causes at the age of 54 while in prison. The community continues to honor Officer Barone's memory, and in 2012 a plaque was dedicated in his honor at the elementary school he attended as a child.
