More Than 50 Years Ago, A Maryland Cop Was Murdered. Police Say Someone Just Confessed To The Killing.

After more than 50 years, police in Maryland said they have arrested a suspect in the killing of an officer.

On Oct. 23, 1971, Montgomery County police in Maryland were called to the Manor Country Club after a witness reported a man face down in the parking lot.

Police arrived at the scene and identified the victim as Capt. James Tappen Hall. He had a gunshot wound. Hall was taken to the hospital, where he died a few days later, police said.

Investigators believed Hall interrupted a residential burglary when he was killed.

The killer was never caught, and the case went cold.

In October 2021, police gave the case a fresh look to mark the 50th anniversary of the killing, police said.

A suspect was identified, Larry David Smith aka Larry David Becker. He was interviewed in 1973, but never named as a suspect.

Police spoke to Smith again on Sept. 1, 2022, and he admitted to killing the police officer. Now, he has been arrested and charged with murder.