Hotline seeks info in officer's death

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia Beach detectives are tirelessly working to find a slain Norfolk police officer's killer.

Detectives have confirmed that Officer Victor Decker did attend a breast cancer awareness event at the Atlantis Gentleman's club the night before he was found dead just yards away from the club.

Detectives are looking to speak to every person who was at that club anytime Monday night or early Tuesday morning. "Whether they saw Victor Decker there or not, it doesn't matter," said Virginia Beach Police Officer Adam Bernstein. If you were at the club, you are encouraged to call the Virginia Beach Police Department at any of the following phone numbers: 757-385-4101 or 757-385-2082 or 757-385-8499.

Thursday, Officer Decker's widow, Dawn Decker issued her own plea asked for help in the case. She asked anyone with information about her husband's death to come forward, saying every little bit of information helps.

Dawn Decker remembered her husband as a special man who loved his job and his family. She reflected on the happier times with Victor and broke down when asked about her daughter and how much he loved her. She said she will tell her daughter, "That he loved her very much and he would have given anything to see her grow up. And that she is just as special as he was and that she never ever needs to forgot who her father was."

The investigation has become a joint investigation with both Virginia Beach and Norfolk police.

WAVY.com learned Thursday from Norfolk Police Chief Bruce Marquis that Officer Decker still had his police badge hanging around his neck Tuesday when he was found on Oceana Boulevard, but said his service weapon was found at his home. Chief Marquis also revealed that Officer Decker's wallet was found, but wouldn't go into specifics, saying, "I believe he did have his wallet, again according to his wife, and I understand an item was found by Virginia Beach, but again I have not spoken to Chief Cervera, it may have been his wallet."

Chief Marquis returned from a conference of police chiefs in Orlando, Florida Thursday and spoke publicly for the first time since Decker's sudden death. He said he didn't return sooner because his assistant chiefs were keeping him informed by phone, "I have a staff here that uh, a very competent staff, assistant chiefs, two of whom are in this room here who were advising me on a moment by moment basis as to what was taking place here. And if I felt that it was extremely prudent for me to come back at a [time] earlier than planned, I would have done so." Marquis went on to say his staff was "on top of this unfortunate incident."

When pressed about why he did not cut his trip short to come home and support his officers who had just lost a brother Maqruis said, "I've stayed in touch with my officers through communication, alright? I've directed what was sent out by email or otherwise, and that's about all I will say on that matter."

Services have been set for officer Decker. A viewing will be held Friday night from five to eight at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home in Virginia Beach. Officer Decker will be laid to rest on Saturday at Rock Church on Kempsville Road.

A fundraising event for Decker's family will be held at 219 American Bistro on Monday, November 1.

Twenty-five percent of gross sales will be given to Decker's family. The restaurant's owners, Dr. Sture Sigfred and Ron Zoby, will also personally match whatever money is raised and donate it to the Decker family. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 416-6219.