John Anthony Dinapoli, a 52-year-old White / Caucasian male, was a 21-year veteran of the Holyoke Police Department. On the morning of December 22, 1999, while on an administrative assignment, he volunteered to back up fellow officers responding to a report of two men arguing on a street corner. Driving an unmarked cruiser, Officer Dinapoli began following one of the men involved in the disturbance.
As he was following the suspect on foot, the man turned and fired several shots into the
police cruiser. Officer Dinapoli was struck in the shoulder, arm, and abdomen. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
The investigation quickly identified the suspect as Eddie O. Morales. A manhunt ensued, and several days later, Morales was apprehended in Pennsylvania. He was subsequently charged with the murder of Officer Dinapoli.
In 2001, Eddie O. Morales was found guilty of the murder of Officer John Anthony Dinapoli and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His conviction was later upheld despite appeals. The death of Officer Dinapoli had a significant impact on the Holyoke community, and he is remembered for his service and sacrifice.
