Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Corporal Timothy O’Connor was laid to rest Wednesday at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Downingtown, Chester County.Hundreds of law enforcement officers from various regions, including the Susquehanna Valley and states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware, attended.Trooper’s wife shares compelling message O’Connor’s wife addressed his friends and coworkers during the service. “We are devastated at the loss of Timothy, but we must carry on his legacy and his good work. Do not let the bad of the world tarnish your mission of protecting with integrity,” she said.O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the force, leaves behind a wife and a young daughter.O’Connor’s body will be taken to All Souls Cemetery, located about 15 minutes from the church where his funeral was held.Shooting detailsThe shooting happened after police received a report of an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 8.O’Connor located the vehicle and initiated a stop near Route 10 and Michael Road at about 8:26 p.m.Acting PSP Commissioner George L. Bivens said O’Connor radioed that he was stopping the car. That transmission was the last communication from him. When backup officers arrived to check on him, they discovered what Bivens described as “a very bad situation.”Investigators say that as O’Connor approached the driver’s side window, the suspect shot him.After firing, the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jesse Nathan Elks of Honey Brook, got out of the vehicle, walked a short distance, and shot himself.Investigation, state responseAuthorities are continuing to investigate Elks’ background, including anti-police and anti-ICE social media posts.The killing has shaken law enforcement across Pennsylvania and prompted tributes from state leaders and police organizations.Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags flown at half-staff and praised officers who “put their lives on the line every day.”A police procession escorted O’Connor’s body from the hospital to the Chester County Government Services Center.Statements from the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police honored O’Connor’s bravery, service, and sacrifice, while urging support and prayers for his family and fellow troopers.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Corporal Timothy O’Connor was laid to rest Wednesday at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Downingtown, Chester County.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from various regions, including the Susquehanna Valley and states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware, attended.
Trooper’s wife shares compelling message
O’Connor’s wife addressed his friends and coworkers during the service.
“We are devastated at the loss of Timothy, but we must carry on his legacy and his good work. Do not let the bad of the world tarnish your mission of protecting with integrity,” she said.
O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the force, leaves behind a wife and a young daughter.
O’Connor’s body will be taken to All Souls Cemetery, located about 15 minutes from the church where his funeral was held.
Shooting details
The shooting happened after police received a report of an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 8.
O’Connor located the vehicle and initiated a stop near Route 10 and Michael Road at about 8:26 p.m.
Acting PSP Commissioner George L. Bivens said O’Connor radioed that he was stopping the car. That transmission was the last communication from him. When backup officers arrived to check on him, they discovered what Bivens described as “a very bad situation.”
Investigators say that as O’Connor approached the driver’s side window, the suspect shot him.
After firing, the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jesse Nathan Elks of Honey Brook, got out of the vehicle, walked a short distance, and shot himself.
WCAU
Deadly shooting scene in West Caln Township, Chester County.
Investigation, state response
Authorities are continuing to investigate Elks’ background, including anti-police and anti-ICE social media posts.
The killing has shaken law enforcement across Pennsylvania and prompted tributes from state leaders and police organizations.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags flown at half-staff and praised officers who “put their lives on the line every day.”
A police procession escorted O’Connor’s body from the hospital to the Chester County Government Services Center.
Statements from the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police honored O’Connor’s bravery, service, and sacrifice, while urging support and prayers for his family and fellow troopers.