Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 3, 1970
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 12145
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 3, 1970
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Convicted
Patrolman Thomas J. Kelly died from a gunshot wound inflicted during a routine traffic stop. Officer Kelly and his partner observed a traffic violation and stopped a car with two men at 360 E. 44th Street. As they approached the car, Officer Kelly stood outside as his partner searched the interior. Suddenly, one of the vehicle's occupants pulled a gun, fatally wounding Patrolman Kelly. Upon hearing the gunshots, his partner tried to draw his weapon but was struck twice before he could return fire. When they attempted to shoot Kelly's partner a third time, their gun misfired and they escaped on foot.
Officer Kelly was transported to Provident Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver and the occupant were discovered later the same day at 6543 S. Wood Street. More than 100 police and firemen surrounded the building and fired tear gas through the windows.
The shooter was found guilty of the murder of Patrolman Kelly and aggravated battery in connection with the shooting of the second officer who made a full recovery.
He received the death penalty. When the courts overturned the death penalty, he was sentenced to life in prison.
On July 29, 2010, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously to reject his parole request. He was also given the maximum time of three years before he would be up for parole again. As of September 4, 2020, he was still in prison.
Patrolman Thomas J. Kelly was a U.S Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for four years. He was survived by his parents, two brothers and a fiancée. He was laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery.