Illinois State Police, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, January 15, 1988
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: 1562
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 15, 1988
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Special Agent Virgil Bensyl was shot and killed while he and four other agents attempted to arrest a corrections officer for conspiracy to commit murder.
The agents in charge of the case decided to try to pick up the suspect by staging a motorist assist along the route he would take to work. The warden called the officer at his home and asked if he could help his niece who was stranded near his house.
Special Agent Bensyl walked up to his car, shined his flashlight, and announced himself. The assailant immediately drew a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and fired two or three shots. One shot hit Agent Bensyl in the chest and killed him instantly.
A former Marine and a veteran of the Vietnam War, Agent Bensysl joined the Illinois State Police on July 14, 1969. He served in District 10 - Pesotum, until 1984, when he graduated from New Agents Class #4; He was then assigned to Zone 10 where he remained until his death.
Agent Bensyl was survived by his wife and son. On April 29, 1988, District 10 Headquarters was re-dedicated in honor of Special Agent Virgil Lee Bensyl.