Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Friday, July 17, 1970
Add to My HeroesJames L. Severin
Sergeant James L. Severin and Patrolman Tony Rizzato were shot and killed by gang members while patrolling community housing for an all-volunteer "Walk and Talk" project.
As the officers proceeded across the Seward Park baseball field, the assailants opened fire from an apartment window. Both officers were mortally wounded in the attack.
The purpose of the shooting was to seal a pact between two rival gangs. Three adults and one juvenile were later apprehended and charged with murder. The two shooters, ages 17 and 23, were convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 199 years in prison. In 2021, one of his killers was released on parole.
Sergeant Severin was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for over 13 years. He is survived by his brother and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 1319
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender 100-199 years in prison
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Patrolman Anthony N. Rizzato
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EOW: July 17, 1970
Most Recent Reflection
View all 56 Reflections52 years and one killer was released already. Both murderers given 100-300 years but now the politics in Illinois are stumbling left causing the Illinois Parole Board to illegally retry the case and release these murderers back to the streets. In two weeks the other murderer goes in front of parole board. Hopefully he will be kept in but no one is holding their breath. We tried Uncle Jim
Jean Severin Cabel
July 17, 2022
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