Crime & Safety

'He Will Always be a Hero,' Slain Marine's Father Says

Timothy Loper, Sr. told ABC News that his son, who was killed trying to break up a bar fight, is 'my best friend.' The search continues for his killer.

The father of a U.S. veteran and South Jersey resident who was killed while trying to break up a bar fight over the weekend told reporters that his son will always be remembered as a hero.

Timothy Loper, Sr. told ABC News that the Pine Hill resident who shared his name was "my best friend" and that he will always remember his son "as a hero."

"I don't know what the person may have been thinking," Loper, Sr. is quoted as saying. "He took my baby."

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Timothy Loper Jr., 27, was a seven-year Marine veteran who had served in Afghanistan. He leaves behind a wife and 6-year-old daughter, Action News reported.

Loper, Jr. was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the 20 Horse Tavern in Camden waterfront at 2nd and Spruce streets around 2:46 a.m. Sunday, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

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He was at the bar celebrating a friend's birthday.

Camden County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Jason Laughlin told Patch today that his office is overseeing the investigation, but that there are no new leads in the search for Loper, Jr.'s killer.

A man spotted on surveillance video—click above to play—is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting.

Loper, Jr. is the 50th person killed in the city this year; family members and friends mourned him on Facebook and lamented the continued violence in the city.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Hunsinger at 609-548-1056 or Camden County Police Detective Lou Sanchez at 856-757-7420.

Information may also be emailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.


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