Joseph McDonald

Victim: Police Detective John Apanites

Victim
Inmate Name: Joseph McDonald
Inmate Number: A129651
Victim: Police Detective John Apanites
Offense: Murder Of A Police Officer, Murder, Shoot/ Intent To Kill
Min/Max Sentence: Death/ Converted to life with parole eligibility
Status: Blocked Parole - Next Parole Hearing October 2025

Case Summary

On April, 1969, Cleveland, Ohio Police Detective John Apanites and Patrolman John M. McNamara were working special duty at Petrie’s Dress Shop. During their shift, they apprehended two suspected shoplifters. While waiting for police to arrive, one of the shoplifters, Joseph McDonald, attacked Patrolman McMamara and stole his gun. McDonald shot Patrolman McNamara in the stomach and then shot detective Apanites twice in the chest and once in the back, killing him. McDonald was sentenced to death for his horrific crimes, however a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1972 converted his sentence to life in prison with parole eligibilty.

POLICE DETECTIVE JOHN APANITES' STORY

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