Deputy Sheriff Gary Dean Murphy

Gary Dean Murphy

Deputy Sheriff Gary Murphy was shot and killed after responding to a report of a woman firing a handgun outside of her home.

The 51-year-old woman was upset that children were playing on a nearby school playground and fired her gun. As Deputy Murphy and another deputy attempted to disarm the woman they were both shot and Deputy Murphy was fatally wounded.

In June of 1977 the suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed at the Elgin Mental Health Center. She had a release hearing in 1985 but her release was denied after she made the statement that she was still a danger to herself and others.

Deputy Murphy had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Department for eight years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was survived by his wife and two children.