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. One was sentenced to death and the other to life. The death sentence was later commuted to life.

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