Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, January 16, 1974
Add to My HeroesEdward Pakula, Jr.
Officer Pakula and Sergeant Leonard Todd were shot and killed after responding to a call of a barricaded gunman. As soon as they arrived at the gunman's residence at 14021 Mayfield Street they were met with a hail of bullets. Two other officers were seriously wounded before the suspect was talked into giving himself up. The suspect had been under psychiatric care for several months.
The suspect pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 to 80 years on June 4, 1974. He died in prison on June 27, 1975.
Officer Pakula had served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. He had also served his country as a U.S. Marine. He is survived by his wife and child.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Died in prison
Related LODD Deaths
Sergeant Leonard M. Todd
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: January 16, 1974
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsI became his sisters friend for a short time in the old neighborhood, after her loss. Kathy did get to smile again and when I was 16, she a bit older, she got engaged and moved out of state. I often think of her. I just loved her red hair. Her Mom was also very kind to me in a neighborhood that was not very safe. Miss you sweet girl! Your family gave everything to keep us safe.
Kim Guzek-Bachner
Friend to His Sister
May 18, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kenneth Reid Lester
Richmond Police Department, IN
EOW: February 10, 2020
Officer David Kellywood
White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: February 17, 2020
Lieutenant Shirley Lanning
Canadian County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: February 14, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Donna Richardson-Below
DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: February 12, 2020
Police Officer Matthew S. von Seydewitz
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: January 27, 2020
Trooper Joseph Jon Bullock
Florida Highway Patrol, FL
EOW: February 5, 2020
Police Officer Nick O'Rear
Kimberly Police Department, AL
EOW: February 5, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Richard Edward Whitten
Liberty County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 3, 2020
Police Officer Alan Daniel McCollum
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: January 31, 2020