Deputy Chief William J. McGuirk, 59, was killed outside his apartment building at 158 High Street in Orange, New Jersey, on the evening of June 9, 1981. A 26‑year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, McGuirk was confronted in the building’s parking lot by two young men, ages 20 and 17, who attempted to carjack him. Although off duty, he tried to arrest them; during a struggle the 20‑year‑old produced a .38‑caliber revolver and fired three shots that fatally wounded McGuirk.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with murder. The 20‑year‑old, identified as the shooter, was convicted and sentenced to 15 to 30 years; he was paroled on September 12, 1998. The post includes no further detail about the younger suspect’s outcome.

Did anyone in Orange at the time remember the case or have information about the 17‑year‑old’s legal outcome?