Patrolman James B. O'Leary

James B. O'Leary

Patrolman James O'Leary was shot and killed while chasing several suspects who had just robbed a liquor store.

He had been assigned to a detail to observe the suspects when they robbed a store the intersection of Boylston Street and Graves Street. Patrolman O'Leary commandeered a vehicle and chased the suspects to the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Fairfield Street, where he was shot by one of the men.

Two suspects, ages 29 and 31, were arrested and convicted of first-degree murder. The gunman, sentenced to death, later had his sentence commuted to life. On August 30, 1984, his request for a parole was approved, but blocked by Governor Michael S Dukakis. The other suspect was sentenced to life.

Patrolman O'Leary had served with the Boston Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.