Sergeant Mark Kevin Murphy
Prince George's County Police Department
Maryland
End of Watch: Thursday, September 1, 1988

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 702

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Thursday, September 1, 1988
Weapon Used: Officer's weapon
Suspect Info: Not available

Sergeant Mark Murphy was accidentally shot and killed by other officers while executing a narcotics search warrant on a residence. The officers had information that automatic weapons may have been present in the house. As the point man, Sergeant Murphy approached the house first on his hands and knees to place hydraulic jacks in the door to aid in a quick entry.

As the jack expanded it cause a loud cracking noise which sounded like gunfire. Two members of the entry team behind Sergeant Muprhy, believing the team was under fire, opened fire. At the same time Sergeant Murphy started to stand and was struck by the gunfire and fatally wounded.

Sergeant Murphy had served with the agency for approximately 10 years. He was survived by his wife and daughters.