Danville Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 27, 1976
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 273
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: January 27, 1976
Weapon Used: Blunt object
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 75 to 150 years
Officer David Farnsworth was killed when he was assaulted by two brothers after he pulled them over for a traffic violation. The suspects were able to gain control of Officer Farnsworth's flashlight and beat him with it.
Both suspects, ages 19 and 23, were convicted of Officer Farnsworth's murder and sentenced to 75 to 150 years in prison on July 21st, 1976. On February 11th, 1977, the 19-year-old suspect collapsed and died while playing basketball at Menard State Prison.
Officer Farnsworth was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Danville Police Department for 2½ years. He is survived by his wife.