Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, July 17, 1970
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 12407
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 17, 1970
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: 100-199 years in prison
Patrolman Tony Rizzato and Sergeant James Severin were shot and killed by gang members while patrolling community housing for an all-volunteer "Walk and Talk" project.
As the officers proceeded across the Seward Park baseball field, the assailants opened fire from an apartment window. Both officers were mortally wounded in the attack.
The purpose of the shooting was to seal a pact between two rival gangs. Three adults and one juvenile were later apprehended and charged with murder. The two shooters, ages 17 and 23, were convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 199 years in prison. In 2021, one of his killers was released on parole.
Patrolman Rizzato had served with the Chicago Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and brother, who was also a Chicago Police Officer.